OSHA Cites Construction Firm for Trench Safety Violations
Summary
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited CB&A Construction LLC for willful trench safety violations following an investigation into a trench collapse. The agency proposed $170,145 in penalties.
What changed
OSHA has issued a willful violation citation and proposed $170,145 in penalties to CB&A Construction LLC after an investigation revealed numerous safety hazards at a worksite, including workers operating at the edge of an unprotected excavation and under a suspended load without hard hats. This action stems from a trench collapse incident in Jefferson County.
CB&A Construction LLC has 15 business days to respond to the citation by complying, requesting an informal conference, or contesting the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Failure to comply by the deadline could result in adjusted penalties. The investigation is part of OSHA's national emphasis program on high-hazard industries.
What to do next
- Review OSHA citation and proposed penalties within 15 business days.
- Determine whether to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings.
- Consult OSHA's trenching and excavation resources for compliance assistance.
Penalties
$170,145 in proposed penalties
Source document (simplified)
News Release
US Department of Labor investigation finds Birmingham construction company willfully exposed workers to trench collapse at Bessemer worksite
BIRMINGHAM – A U.S. Department of Labor investigation has found numerous safety hazards at a civil construction employer’s worksite following a trench collapse in Jefferson County.
The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators found CB&A Construction LLC workers removed and installed drain pipes for Jefferson County under a suspended load, without hard hats, and at the edge of an excavation that lacked protective restraints.
OSHA cited CB&A Construction with a willful violation and proposed $170,145 in penalties.
CB&A Construction LLC has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case process. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.
OSHA’s trenching and excavation webpage includes information on standard requirements, hazard recognition, and controlling safety hazards. Employers can contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards. The investigation is part of OSHA’s national emphasis program that focuses resources on high-hazard industries to avoid injuries and fatalities.
Agency Occupational Safety & Health Administration Date January 28, 2026 Release Number 26-7-ATL Media Contact: Erika Ruthman Phone Number 678-237-0630 Email ruthman.erika.b@dol.gov Media Contact: Eric R. Lucero Phone Number 678-237-0630 Email lucero.eric.r@dol.gov Share This
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