Ohio Company Cited for Failure to Protect Workers From Cave-ins

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Mikesell Excavating Inc. with one alleged willful and two serious safety violations for failing to protect workers from cave-ins during trenching operations at a jobsite located in Hamilton, Ohio. The excavating contractor based in New Paris, Ohio, faces proposed penalties of $49,200.

The company was issued one willful citation for failing to properly protect workers from trench cave-ins as a result of an October inspection.

Mikesell Excavating also was issued two alleged serious violations for failing to train workers on proper safety regulations and to have worksites inspected by trained personnel.

OSHA standards mandate that all excavations five feet or deeper be protected against collapse.

The company has filed a notice of contest of its proposed citations and penalties, before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA