Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 006 Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.652(d)(2): Manufactured materials and equipment used for protective systems are not used and maintained in a manner that was consistent with the recommendations of the manufacturer, and in a manner that will prevent employee exposure to hazards. The employer does not protect employees from cave-in and struck-by hazards by failing to ensure that the manufacturer's recommendation of installing a trench shield no lower than flush with the excavation surface is followed prior to employees entering excavations. The recommendation is listed in the tabulated data sheet. Location: 103 West Broad Street, Stamford, CT This violation was most recently observed on or about June 13, 2025, where the employer did not ensure that manufacturer's recommendation found in the tabulated data sheet was followed when the top of the company owned modular trench shield was set approximately four feet below the excavation surface, which exposed the Foreman, Operator and Laborer to cave-in and struck-by hazards. The approximately six-foot tall trench shield was placed at the bottom of an excavation that measured approximately 10-feet-deep. The trench shield was also not backfilled prior to employees entering the excavation, as stated in the tabulated data sheet. To abate this violation, the employer must follow the manufacturer's recommendations in the tabulated data sheet for the installation and use of trench shields. Pursuant to 29 CFR 1903.19, the employer must submit documents describing the steps they are taking to ensure compliance; including an explanation of how these steps protect employees from trenching and excavation hazards.