Tragedy struck at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, when two employees of a water and sewer line construction contractor, lost their lives on April 3, 2023. A trench collapse claimed the lives of these workers, a devastating incident that a federal investigation concluded could have been prevented with adequate safety measures.
Lack of Adequate Safety Measures Results in Trench Collapse and Fatality of Two Employees
The fatal incident occurred while the employees were working to remove soil from beneath a concrete slab within the trench, leading to the slab’s collapse and subsequent fatalities. Investigators from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) discovered critical safety violations committed by the construction contractor, including the failure to support the concrete slab adequately.
The construction contractor faced citations for four serious violations by OSHA, resulting in proposed penalties totaling $59,153. These violations included the company’s failure to provide proper support for the slab, inadequate training for employees involved in the task, and the absence of a protective system that complied with OSHA standards.
Kevin Sullivan, OSHA’s Long Island and Queens area director, highlighted the inherent dangers of excavation work, emphasizing the need for meticulous planning and adherence to safety protocols. He underscored the employer’s responsibility to recognize, assess, and mitigate workplace hazards effectively—an obligation that the construction contractor, failed to fulfill.
What Happens Next
The company now has 15 business days to respond to the citations and penalties issued by OSHA. Options include compliance, requesting an informal discussion with OSHA’s area director, or contesting the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Conclusion
This tragic incident underscores the paramount importance of adhering to safety regulations in construction and excavation work. For small and midsize businesses involved in such operations, this serves as a reminder to prioritize comprehensive safety measures, which not only protect workers’ lives but also prevent potential financial and legal consequences. OSHA offers resources and guidelines to assist businesses in understanding and implementing safety protocols, ensuring a safer work environment for employees involved in excavation and construction activities.