North Dakota Contractor Cited for Safety Hazards, Fined Nearly $455K

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited North Dakota excavation contractor Kamphuis Pipeline Company for exposing employees to trench cave-ins and other serious hazards while installing water metering pits and lines. The company, which faces proposed penalties of $454,750, has contested the citations.

OSHA said it inspected the Logan and Kidder Counties water project site in September and October 2017, and found the company failed to protect employees from struck-by hazards; did not place excavated soil piles far enough away from trench edges; and failed to utilize appropriate protective systems during trenching operations. The company did not identify hazards and take corrective action when warranted, OSHA said.

The company has contested the citations. The case will be reviewed by an independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA