Text For Citation: 02 Item/Group: 007 Hazard:

29 CFR 1926.652(g)(1)(ii): Shields are not installed in a manner to restrict lateral or other hazardous movement of the shield in the event of the application of sudden lateral loads. The employer does ensure that trench shields are backfilled to protect against lateral or hazardous movement in the event of sudden lateral or hazardous loads, such as a collapse of the excavation walls. Location: 103 West Broad Street, Stamford, CT This violation was most recently observed on or about June 13, 2025, where the employer installed a trench shield that in an approximately 10-foot-deep excavation. He did not backfill the space between the excavation and the trench shield walls to protect against lateral or hazardous loads. The excavation was dug in unclassified and previously disturbed soil. The Foreman, Operator and Laborer who entered the excavation were exposed to crushing and struck-by hazards while working with in the excavation. To abate this violation, the employer must backfill trench shields to protect against hazardous or lateral movement. 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.