News - Local
OSHA proposes $40,000 fine against Pueblo company
Posted: Sep 11, 2009 2:33 PM by Bea Karnes
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $40,000 in penalties against Spaccamonti Excavating Inc. of Pueblo for alleged trenching violations.
OSHA accuses Spaccamonti Excavating of one willful and three serious violations following an inspection at a worksite in Pueblo West.
"Trench operations are inherently dangerous," said Greg Baxter, OSHA's regional administrator in Denver, Colo. "The procedures for protecting trench workers are easy enough to implement, but what's required first is employer and employee dedication to workplace safety and health."
The alleged willful violation relates to the lack of protective systems required for trench operations.
The alleged serious violations include poor exit procedures for workers from the trench, failure to provide proper training for trench operations and placing excavated materials too close to the edge of the trench.
Spaccamonti Excavating has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Englewood, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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