OSHA Inspection: WALTON, INC.

Issued

Apr 23, 2020

Abate by

May 19, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $2,700 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 the work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury:    a) Water line, fire hydrant trench: On February 20, 2020 and at times prior thereto employees worked in 6 to 7 foot deep trench without a cave-in protection system in place.  Employees did not recognize or acknowledge the hazards of working in an unprotected area of a trench or the actions needed to minimize or control the hazard.       b) Water line, fire hydrant trench: On February 20, 2020 and at times prior thereto employees worked in 6 to 7 foot deep trench without a ladder or other safe means of egress available.  Employees did not recognize or acknowledge the hazard of not having safe egress out of the trench or take action to correct the hazard.     c) Water line, fire hydrant trench: On February 20, 2020 and at times prior thereto employees worked in an area of a 6 to 7 foot deep trench where a section of pavement (curb) was undermined and not supported.  Employees did not recognize or acknowledge the hazard of working near an unsupported structure or take action to correct the hazard.     Note) Certification of corrective actions are required for these items.

Issued

Apr 23, 2020

Abate by

Apr 29, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(c)(2): A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress was not located in trench excavations that were 4 feet (1.22m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62m) of lateral travel for employees:  a) Water line fire hydrant trench: On February 20, 2020 and at times prior thereto employees performed work on a water line, meter and fire hydrant in a 6 to 7 foot deep trench.  A ladder or clear path of egress was not available for employees.     Note) Certification of corrective action is required for this item.

Issued

Apr 23, 2020

Abate by

Apr 29, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(i)(3): Sidewalks, pavements, or appurtenant structures had been undermined and a support system or another method was not provided to protect employees from the possible collapse of such structures:  a) Water line, fire hydrant trench: On February 20, 2020 and at times prior thereto employees performed work on a water line, meter and fire hydrant in a 6 to 7 foot deep trench/excavation.  As part of the work, a concrete curb was undercut, and no support was provided.     Note) Certification of corrective action is required for this item.

Issued

Apr 23, 2020

Abate by

Apr 29, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $2,700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1): An inspection of the excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems was not conducted by the competent person prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift:    a) Water line, fire hydrant trench: On February 20, 2020 and at times prior thereto, an inspection by a competent person had not been conducted prior to allowing employees to enter and work in a 6 to 7 foot deep trench.  Employees were installing a water line, meter and fire hydrant without a cave-in protective system in place.    b) Water line, fire hydrant trench: On February 20, 2020 and at times prior thereto an inspection by a competent person had not been conducted prior to allowing employees to enter and work in a 6 to 7 foot deep trench.  Employees were not provided with a safe means of egress while installing a water line, meter and fire hydrant.         c) Water line, fire hydrant trench: On February 20, 2020 and at times prior thereto an inspection by a competent person had not been conducted prior to allowing employees to enter and work in a 6 to 7 foot deep trench.  Employees were exposed to struck-by hazards while installing water line, meter and fire hydrant where an existing concrete curb was undercut and not supported.      Note) Competent person for this sub part means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.          Note) Certification of corrective actions are required for these items.

Issued

Apr 23, 2020

Abate by

Apr 29, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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 (b) or (c) of this section:   a) Water line, fire hydrant trench: On February 20, 2020 and at times prior thereto employees worked on a water line, meter and a fire hydrant in a 6 to 7 foot deep trench.  A cave-in protective system was not in place for the type C soil.     Note)  Certification of corrective action is required for this item.