Region 5 News Release: 09-748-CHI
July 17, 2009
Contact: Brad Mitchell or Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976

U.S. Labor Department's OSHA levies $75,000 in proposed penalties to MasTec for trenching violations in Madison, Wis.

MADISON, Wis. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited MasTec North America in Hugo, Minn., with two alleged repeat violations of federal trenching safety standards and proposed $75,000 in penalties.

OSHA began its inspection in February under the agency's National Emphasis Program (NEP) on trenching and excavation after an OSHA compliance officer observed work taking place in a trench at 3517 W. Beltline, Madison.

The safety inspection revealed that excavated materials were located within two feet of the excavation's edge without protection to prevent the material from falling back into the excavation, and for not providing cave-in protection or having a competent person conduct an inspection of the excavation.

MasTec has been inspected 22 times in the past three years with 13 citations issued, including citations for the same violations noted during the February inspection.

"There is absolutely no excuse nor reason for trenching violations," said Kimberly Stille, OSHA area director for Madison. "Trenching fatalities and devastating injuries are entirely preventable if contractors simply follow OSHA safety regulations."

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov

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