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

29 CFR 1926.651(k)(2): Where the competent person found evidence of a situation that could result in a possible cave-in, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions, exposed employees were not removed from the hazardous area until the necessary precautions had been taken to ensure their safety On 6/18/2018, employees of T&D Utilities Corp. were working in a trench located near 1550 Progress West Lane, OFallon, MO 63366. The competent person failed to remove exposed workers from a hazardous condition. The employee was in an open trench measuring approximately 11 feet wide, approximately 84 feet in total length, and approximately 7-8 feet deep. (a) The competent person did not conduct a manual and visual soil sample of the trench measuring approximately 8 feet in depth, 11 feet in width and 84 feet in length. (b) The competent person authorized employees to enter an excavation without protective helmets when stuck-by hazards from falling soil were predictable. (c) The competent person authorized employees to enter excavations without providing unimpeded access and egress path. (d) The competent person did not place the spoil pile back a minimum of 2 feet from the face of the trench.