CB&A Construction LLC received a willful OSHA citation and $170,145 penalty after investigators found workers removing and installing drain pipes under a suspended load, without hard hats, and at the edge of an unprotected excavation at a Jefferson County, Alabama worksite.

CB&A Construction LLC — Willful Trench Exposure, Jefferson County Alabama (2025–2026)

Outcome: OSHA issued a willful citation and proposed $170,145 in penalties after finding CB&A Construction LLC workers performing drain pipe work under a suspended load, without head protection, at the unprotected edge of an excavation in Bessemer, Alabama.

CB&A Construction LLC was performing drain pipe installation and removal work for Jefferson County in Bessemer, Alabama. During an OSHA inspection, investigators observed workers positioned at the edge of an excavation that lacked protective systems against trench collapse. In addition to the cave-in exposure, workers were operating beneath a suspended load without any overhead protection measures, and none were wearing required hard hats.

OSHA classified the primary trench violation as willful — meaning the agency determined the employer was aware of the safety requirement and knowingly failed to comply. The agency proposed a combined penalty of $170,145. The employer had 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, request an informal conference, or contest before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Primary Source: US Department of Labor investigation finds Birmingham construction company willfully exposed workers to trench collapse at Bessemer worksite