Trench Collapse Results in $30,000 Fine for Company Owner

An underground utility crew was installing a water pipeline when a worker entered a portion of the straight cut trench that was about 3.9 metres deep. The trench wall caved in onto the worker. The worker, who was extracted by the crew and transported to the hospital, sustained permanent life-altering injuries. The owner of the excavation company pleaded guilty to violating Sec. 2(2)(a) of the OHS Act and was fined $30,000 [Vincent Bishop, Govt. News Release, Jan. 10, 2017].