Cal/OSHA cites construction company for fatal trench accident

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has issued $157,500 in fines to a San Diego-based construction company for multiple violations of workplace safety regulations following a fatal trench collapse.

On Aug. 28, 2024, a worker for W.A. Rasic Construction was inside a 17-foot-deep trench when a portion of it collapsed, causing a concrete pipe to be displaced, pinning and killing the employee, Cal/OSHA announced Thursday.

Cal/OSHA identified serious violations of workplace safety regulations, including failures to implement an “effective injury and illness prevention program … conduct a proper inspection of the excavation site … (and) provide adequate cave-in protection.”