Contractor fined for cave-in hazard

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Federal officials have fined a Middletown construction company almost $70,000 after discovering a cave-in hazard at a work site.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said its inspectors found unsafe conditions at J.A.M. Construction's jobsite on Brenton Road in Newport. OSHA said crews were working in an unprotected trench over six feet deep. There were no safeguards in case the walls collapsed, nor was there a ladder or other means of exit. OSHA also said water was allowed to accumulate in the trench.

"You cannot overstate the gravity of this hazard," said OSHA Rhode Island director Patrick Griffin. "A cave-in can occur in seconds, and engulf workers before they can react or escape.