US Department of Labor cites Pennsylvania excavation employer for failing to provide trench protection following fatal trench cave-in
US Department of Labor cites Pennsylvania excavation employer for failing to provide trench protection following fatal trench cave-in CHAMBERSBURG, PA – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited an excavation contractor for willful and serious safety violations after a young worker was fatally injured in a trench collapse. The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an investigation into Jonas David Wagoner – doing business as J.D. Wagoner Excavating – on April 2, 2026, and found workers were installing a storm sewer system 12 feet below ground level in a trench that was not adequately protected from soil collapse. When a portion of the trench's wall failed, the unrestrained soil engulfed one worker. The agency issued a willful violation for failure to protect workers from cave-ins and two repeat violations for failing to assign a competent person to conduct daily trench inspections and removing employees from hazardous conditions.In addition,...
