Neb. plumbing contractor cited for exposing workers to trench hazards

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday it has cited an Omaha, Nebraska-based plumbing contractor for failing to protect its workers from excavation collapse hazards and proposed penalties of $38,061.

In December, OSHA inspectors observed employees working in an unprotected trench while repairing a sewer line. OSHA cited Gavrooden Inc., doing business as Mr. Rooter Plumbing, for one willful and four serious violations for failing to use a protective system to prevent trench collapse, failing to train workers on trenching hazards and failing to place soil piles a safe distance from the open excavation. The company was also cited for similar hazards at another worksite in November 2017, OSHA said in a statement.

“Trenching and excavation are among the most hazardous jobs in construction,” Jeff Funke, OSHA Omaha area office director, said in a statement. “This employer has endangered workers by disregarding safety requirements to prevent cave-ins.”

Gavrooden Inc. declined to comment at this time.