Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 002 Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2): The employer did not instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe condition(s) and the regulation(s) applicable to this work environment to control or eliminate any hazard(s) or other exposure to illness or injury: a) Delaware Route 299 and Willow Grove Mill Drive, in Middletown, DE 19709: On or about 4/12/2021; the employer failed to ensure that employees engaged in trenching and excavation activities were instructed to recognize hazards associated with working in trenches exposing them to a trench collapse while installing a water pipe in a trench measuring approximately 8 feet in depth. The trench did not have any type of trench box in place to keep the walls of the trench from caving in. This was at the same time that an excavator was right next to the trench adding vibrations to the area additionally loosening the soil. Furthermore, without tabulated data no inspections were completed by a competent person prior to requiring employees to work inside the trench.