Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 002 Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.651(j)(2): Protection was not provided by placing and keeping excavated or other materials or equipment at least 2 feet (.61m) from the edge of excavations, or by the use of retaining devices that were sufficient to prevent materials or equipment from falling or rolling into excavations, or by a combination of both if necessary. Residential Sewer Connection Project, 7 Hamilton Court, Norwich, CT: On June 13, 2025, an employee was fatally injured where the employer did not ensure spoil piles were placed at least two feet from the edge of the trench. The employee, working in between 4 feet 10 inches to 5 feet 4 inches deep trench with vertical walls, was exposed to struck-by, and cave-in hazards posed by debris falling rolling into it and/or the walls collapsing due to the surcharge load on its edge.