OSHA cites Atlanta utility contractor for willful and serious safety violations, proposes more than $43,000 in penalties

DONALSONVILLE, Ga. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited J.J.E. Constructors Inc. of Alpharetta with one willful and two serious safety violations for exposing employees to trenching hazards while installing new storm and sewer lines on South Wiley and West First Streets in Donalsonville.

After receiving a complaint alleging hazards, OSHA initiated an inspection in March as part of the agency's national emphasis program to reduce injuries at trenching and excavation construction sites. Proposed penalties total $43,400.The willful violation involves exposing employees to struck-by and cave-in hazards by not using a protective shoring system. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Atlanta utility contractor for willful and serious safety violations, proposes more than $43,000 in penalties