Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001B Hazard:

29 CFR 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. On or about March 18, 2025, at a worksite located at the intersection of Main Street and Maes Avenue in Kimberly, Wisconsin; employees were performing work in a trench that was approximately 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet deep without adequate cave-in protection, exposing the employees to crushing and engulfment hazards. The trench was not inspected by a competent person to classify the soil, identify and support undermined pavement, and identify protective system deficiencies prior to the start of work.