An Arizona company is facing a six-figure fine after two workers were seriously injured in a trench collapse in Queen Creek earlier this year.
State regulators recently cited and fined DCS Contracting $161,323 after a report said the 5-feet-deep trench lacked an adequate protection system.
The accident happened when four workers were inside an excavation trench in March near Hawes and Ocotillo roads, according to a report by the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH). They were installing a new water main for the town of Queen Creek.
The report said the project became a “time-sensitive issue” because a storm was approaching and there was a need to return the water main to service.
One side of the trench gave way, crushing two employees. They were rescued and taken to the hospital. Both had fractured pelvises and needed surgery, according to the report. The names of the workers have not been released.
Photos taken by ADOSH show metal protective devices, known as “shoring,” lying outside the trench. Shoring supports the walls to prevent collapses. The shoring devices should have been inside the trench, according to ADOSH.