OSHA Inspection: WENGER EXCAVATING INC.

Issued

Feb 2, 2021

Penalty

Initial $19,114 · Current $7,646 Reduced

General-duty citation text

1926.651(k)(1)  Daily inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems shall be made by a competent person for evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions. An inspection shall be conducted by the competent person prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections shall also be made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence. These inspections are only required when employee exposure can be reasonably anticipated. 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).  On or about January 7, 2021, an employee was exposed to a trench cave in while performing sewer line replacement at 368 West Cherry, Canal Fulton, Ohio 44618.  The employee was in the trench and the employer did not ensure that he was protected from a cave in with an adequate system.   Wenger Excavating Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1361760,  citation number 1 item number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on 3/19/19, with respect to a workplace located at 2472 Wise Ave. NW, Canton, Ohio 44708.