OSHA paid an unannounced visit to one of Hua Da Construction sites and it turned out to be more than a social call for a Philadelphia contractor.
The federal occupational safety and health agency on Nov. 9 issued citations for one alleged repeat and one alleged serious safety violation. Total proposed penalties are $72,511.
An inspection began on June 10 after OSHA received a complaint alleging that Hua Dua Construction employees were exposed to fall hazards as high as 18 feet. An agency inspector arrived at the work site and found employees allegedly exposed to imminent danger fall and trenching hazards.
“Hua Da Construction continues exposing its workers to falls, the leading cause of death in the construction industry, and caught-in trenching hazards, one of the top four regularly cited construction violations,” said Theresa Downs, director of OSHA’s Philadelphia Area Office. “When construction contractors like Hua Da Construction repeatedly ignore safety standards, they jeopardize worker safety.”
Hua Dua Construction previously was cited for similar alleged trenching violations in March and May 2016. The serious violation involved exposing workers to cave-in hazards due to an inadequate protective system.
OSHA has a national emphasis program on trenching and excavations. Trenching standards require protective systems on trenches deeper than 5 feet, and soil and other materials kept at least two feet from the edge of trench.
The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with Downs or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.