ROSS, N.D. (AP) - Federal labor officials have cited a North Dakota sand and gravel mine for the eighth time for allowing employees to work under risky conditions.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Northern Excavating Company in Jamestown. Officials say mine operators allowed employees to work at great risk in trenches without cave-in protection and a safe way to exit the trench.
OSHA says the company has been placed in the agency's Severe Violator Enforcement Program for its continual failure to protect workers from cave-in hazards. The company has been cited eight times since 1997 and has failed to pay penalties stemming from a 2011 inspection.
Northern Excavating employs about 25 workers. Company representatives on Thursday did not immediately return a call seeking comment.