OSHA News Release - Region 8

U.S. Department of Labor
March 14, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Proposes Penalties for Colorado Concrete Company After Employee Injured in Trench Collapse

ENGLEWOOD, CO – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Langston Concrete Inc. for failing to protect its workers from trench collapse hazards. The Colorado Springs company faces proposed penalties of $90,535. 

On Dec. 7, 2017, OSHA responded after a trench collapsed on four employees. One employee was buried, and suffered a broken hip and femur. Three others were partially covered, but uninjured. Prior to the collapse, the employees were preparing to install a diverter box on an existing storm water pipe. OSHA cited the company for not removing employees from a hazardous work area, and for failing to install cave-in protection.

“This trench collapse, and the injuries it caused, could have been prevented if the employer had used required cave-in protection,” said David Nelson, OSHA Englewood Area Office Director.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.