OSHA has proposed $108,000 in penalties against a contractor for two alleged willful instances of failing to protect employees from cave-in hazards in trenches. Five serious violations were also cited. They allege the use of damaged ladders; placement of material too close to an excavation; use of a ladder having insufficient height and failure to properly train workers on the safe use of ladders.

[Tippins Contracting Co., Marietta, GA. Release number 09-70-ATL (035), Feb. 3, 2009]