MACON, Ga. — A federal agency has fined a Macon company more than $300,000 for alleged safety violations after a trench collapse that killed a worker.
It happened Aug. 10th on Massee Lane in Perry. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration says two workers were preparing to install sewer lines when the 21-foot-deep trench collapsed. They say rescuers found 20-year-old Caleb Smith face down in water and buried in dirt.
He was pronounced dead at Perry Hospital. A second worker suffered serious shoulder, pelvis and leg injuries.
The agency says Pyles Plumbing and Utility Contractors did not train the workers properly and failed to use proper safety equipment and protective gear.
They cited the company for three “serious” violations” – with proposed fines totaling $33,876 – and two “willful” violations, leading to $274,249 in fines.
According to OSHA records online, the $308,000 proposed fine is the third-largest issued in the state in the past year.
The company has the right to appeal the fine and to meet with federal regulators. The appeal process often results in reduced fines.
By phone, Pyles owner Byron Pyles told us his company disputes the findings, has hired legal counsel and plans to appeal. He declined further comment.