Giant Construction Corp. in Guam Fined Over $1 Million for Failing to Protect Workers in Trenches

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued over $1 million in fines to Giant Construction Corp., a Guam-based general contractor, for failing to protect its employees working in trenches from potentially deadly harm. OSHA found that the company's workers were installing sewer lines in multiple trenches deeper than five feet without the required safety equipment and adequate means to exit, exposing them to serious and often fatal risks.

The substantial penalties originate from an inspection at the Palisades Subdivision Project in Tiynan, Guam, in October 2023, where OSHA cited Giant Construction Corp. for nine "willful-serious" violations, each with a proposed penalty of $112,926, and two "serious" violations with proposed penalties of $11,292 each. The agency stated that the company has shown a "flagrant disregard" for the safety of its employees and put workers at risk of grave injuries.

Why this matters: The substantial fines imposed on Giant Construction Corp. emphasize OSHA's commitment to enforcing workplace safety standards and holding employers accountable for endangering their workers. This case serves as a sobering warning to construction companies across the nation about the severe consequences of neglecting trench safety protocols.

This is not the first time Giant Construction Corp. has faced citations for trench safety violations. The company has a history of five other OSHA inspections since 2014, resulting in nine violations, including two serious violations and one repeat violation. OSHA, which has a National Emphasis Program on trenching and excavations, intends for the hefty penalties to send a clear message that such disregard for worker safety will not be tolerated.

"Giant Construction Corp. has repeatedly failed to protect its workers from known hazards, putting them at risk of serious injuries and fatalities," said OSHA Area Director Robert Sands in a statement. "The company's disregard for safety is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Employers must take immediate action to ensure the safety of their employees in trenches."

Giant Construction Corp. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Key Takeaways

• OSHA fines Guam contractor $1M for trench safety violations
• Contractor cited for 9 "willful-serious" and 2 "serious" violations
• Contractor has history of prior OSHA citations for trench safety
• OSHA emphasizes need to hold employers accountable for worker safety
• Contractor has 15 days to comply, request conference, or contest findings