US Department of Labor investigation finds Birmingham construction company willfully exposed workers to trench collapse at Bessemer worksite

BIRMINGHAM – A U.S. Department of Labor investigation has found numerous safety hazards at a civil construction employer’s worksite following a trench collapse in Jefferson County.

The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators found CB&A Construction LLC workers removed and installed drain pipes for Jefferson County under a suspended load, without hard hats, and at the edge of an excavation that lacked protective restraints.

OSHA cited CB&A Construction with a willful violation and proposed $170,145 in penalties.

CB&A Construction LLC has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case process. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.

OSHA’s trenching and excavation webpage includes information on standard requirements, hazard recognition, and controlling safety hazards. Employers can contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards. The investigation is part of OSHA’s national emphasis program that focuses resources on high-hazard industries to avoid injuries and fatalities.

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Media Contacts:

Erika B. Ruthman, 678-237-0631, ruthman.erika.b@dol.gov
Eric R. Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov

Release Number: 26-7-ATL (137)