OSHA Inspection: LEWIS CONTRACTORS INC.

Issued

Jan 31, 2013

Abate by

Feb 11, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $480 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2):     The employer did not instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his/her environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.    On or about 3 December 2012, and at times prior thereto, employees were not being provided with hazard recognition training in regards to trench safety, exposing them to cave-in hazards.    Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure employees receive safety training in order to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions.

Issued

Jan 31, 2013

Abate by

Feb 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(j)(2):     Protection was not provided by placing and keeping excavated or other materials or equipment at least 2 feet (.61m) from the edge of excavations, or by the use of retaining devices that were sufficient to prevent materials or equipment from falling or rolling into excavations, or by a combination of both if necessary.    On or about 3 December 2012, and at times prior thereto, two employees were working within a trench and an excavation where the spoil pile was not more than 2 feet from the edge, exposing the employees to struck by hazards from excavated materials falling or rolling into the trench or excavation.    Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure excavated materials are kept at least 2 feet away from the edge of the excavation, or that a retaining device is used to prevent materials from falling or rolling into the excavation, or by a combination of both if necessary.

Issued

Jan 31, 2013

Abate by

Feb 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1):     Each employee in an excavation was not protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.652(c).    On or about 3 December 2012, two employees were working to install a new 16 inch water pipe line inside a trench or excavation without the use of cave-in protection, exposing the employees to caught in hazards from a cave-in.  1) A trench that measured approximately 6 feet and 6 inches deep, 3 feet wide, and 140 feet long. The two employees were installing 20 foot sections of the new pipe while inside the trench.  2) An excavation that measured approximately 6 feet deep on the north wall, 7 feet and 2 inches on the west wall, 15 feet wide, and 60 feet long. The east wall was an earthen ramp for access in and out of the excavation. The south wall backed up to the road and was approximately 6 feet deep with a steep embankment up to 12 feet or more in height.    Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the date of this citation, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure protective systems are in place for employees working inside trenches that are more than 5 feet in depth.