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Peter Dillon, the owner of A4S LLC, has pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter after a deadly trench collapse in Breckenridge. The collapse occurred in November 2021 and resulted in the death of a worker. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Dillon for multiple violations, including failing to ensure the excavation was inspected and not providing a safe way to climb out of the trench. OSHA proposed penalties of $449,583 and placed the company in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program. A4S LLC has since shut down, and Dillon has agreed to forfeit any future involvement in trenching or excavation. Nate Lynn reported
Peter Dillon, aged 54, was the proprietor of A4S LLC, a construction company based in Vail. Recently, he pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter in connection with a tragic incident involving a trench collapse in Breckenridge. Dillon voluntarily surrendered himself to Summit County authorities in January after an investigation was conducted following the collapse in November 2021.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued citations against Dillon in May 2022. These citations were a result of a worker, Marlon Alfredo Diaz, losing his life when the trench he was working in collapsed. OSHA determined that the collapse occurred due to deteriorating conditions at the project site, conditions that could have been prevented if the company had implemented legally required protection systems.
A4S LLC received three willful citations from OSHA for failing to ensure the excavation was inspected by a competent person, neglecting to provide instructions to employees on recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions, and not having a trench protective system in place. Additionally, an additional serious citation was issued for not providing a safe means of exit, such as a ramp or ladder, within 25 feet of the trench.
OSHA proposed penalties totaling $449,583 and placed A4S LLC in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program. The case was also referred to the 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, with OSHA recommending charges against Dillon. Consequently, A4S LLC ceased operations, and Dillon agreed to forfeit any future ownership, leadership, or management positions related to trenching, excavation, or workplace safety and health oversight.
In conclusion, Peter Dillon, the former owner of A4S LLC, has admitted guilt in the reckless manslaughter charges brought against him due to a trench collapse incident. This unfortunate event resulted in the loss of a worker’s life, prompting OSHA to issue citations and propose significant penalties against the company. A4S LLC has since ceased operations, and Dillon has agreed to relinquish any future involvement in roles related to trenching, excavation, or workplace safety and health..
