Trench Collapse That Cost Lives | Cincinnati News

A deadly trench collapse in Milford last December killed 28-year-old Jose Alberto Barajas Martinez and injured two others—despite workers warning their employer the excavation was dangerously deep. OSHA found the site violated basic safety laws, citing Whispering Creek LLC for five violations. Initial penalties of over $231,000 were slashed to $49,000 through a settlement. The company, which knew the rules, allegedly ignored them—failing to install trench boxes or proper sloping. Survivors are recovering; one returned to work. Criminal charges are under review by local prosecutors, while the company must fix violations, pay the fine by March 2029, and train employees within 90 days. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/912baa05f039edcb