Workers told their employer an excavation to replace a storm drain at a Milford job site had become too "deep and dangerous," according to federal investigators. Records show they were directed to enter the 8-foot-deep trench anyway. The trench collapsed minutes later, killing 28-year-old Jose Alberto Barajas Martinez and severely injuring two of his coworkers on Dec. 5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators later concluded the excavation lacked basic cave-in protections required by federal safety rules. The agency cited Whispering Creek LLC for five violations and proposed $231,714 in penalties before a settlement reduced the amount to $49,000. Federal records obtained by The Enquirer provide new details about the collapse as Clermont County prosecutors review the case for possible criminal charges against company owner David Baumgardner. Read the full story at the link in our bio. (📸: Gillian Stawiszynski/The Enquirer + Provided by Fox19) #cincinnati #cinci...