The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday it cited an Oklahoma construction contractor after a worker was killed this year in a trench collapse.
OSHA cited Edmond-based Jerlow Construction Co. over the February death of a pipe layer who was working in an excavation site near Shawnee. The worker was killed during the collapse of a nine-foot-deep trench.
Jerlow permitted employees to work in the excavation without proper protections, including shielding, benching and sloping, OSHA said.
Jerlow was cited for one “repeat” violation and three “serious” violations following the incident, which occurred as workers were installing an eight-inch water line.
OSHA proposed $85,173 in penalties.
The agency said Jerlow also failed to train employees on how to recognize excavation hazards and failed to perform daily inspections to verify safe entry conditions.
Jerlow has 15 business days to contest the citation and proposed penalties.
