Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 004 Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.651(c)(2): A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress was not located in trench excavations that were 4 feet (1.22m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62m) of lateral travel for employees. On or about 15 April 2017, and at times prior thereto, workers were within trenches in which the nearest egress was either beyond 25 feet away or no means for egress was being used, exposing the workers to the hazards of either falling into the trench or being caught in a cave-in or engulfment. a) Northern trench: Two workers were working within a trench at approximately 7 to 9 feet deep in which the nearest egress was either a ladder approximately 45 feet 6 inches away to one side, or an earthen ramp approximately 33 feet away to the other side. b) Southern trench: Three workers were working within a trench at approximately 4 feet 6 inches deep with a gravel bottom without the use of a ladder for egress.