Construction worker deaths in Colorado spur OSHA inspection initiative

Denver — A surge in construction on Colorado’s Front Range and concerns over recent worker deaths statewide have prompted OSHA to launch an initiative to inspect worksites on weekends, “when worksites often go unchecked.”

Under the Weekend Work initiative, employees at OSHA area offices in Denver and adjacent Englewood, CO, will place special emphasis on locating hazards related to falls and trenching and excavation work while canvassing randomly selected worksites in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties. The endeavor is expected to continue into the fall.

Over the past two years in Colorado, at least six construction workers have suffered fatal falls on the job, while three worker fatalities have been recorded as a result of excavation collapses or trenching incidents, according to an agency press release.

“This is a proactive effort to identify hazardous worksites and to ensure workers end their shifts safely,” Nancy Hauter, OSHA’s acting regional administrator in Denver, said in the release.