Failure to Follow Safety Rules Led to Serious Worker Injury
Cal/OSHA Penalizes Plumbing Companies: The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has fined Smelly Mel’s Plumbing and Sewer Rat Plumbing a total of $529,640 for trench safety violations. The penalties follow an August 2024 trench collapse in San Mateo, which severely injured a construction worker.
Investigation Reveals Multiple Safety Failures
Cal/OSHA Penalizes Plumbing Companies: Cal/OSHA’s investigation found serious violations that put workers at high risk. As a result, inspectors issued eight citations to each company.
Key violations included:
- Lack of Inspections: No competent person checked the trench and surrounding area for hazards.
- Unsafe Exit Options: Workers had no ladder or escape route from the 9-foot-deep trench.
- No Protective Systems: The trench lacked shoring, shielding, sloping, or benching, increasing the risk of collapse.
- Falling Debris Hazard: Excavated materials and equipment were placed too close to the trench’s edge.
- Inadequate Protective Gear: At least one worker risked foot injuries due to improper footwear while using a jackhammer.
- Lack of First Aid Readiness: Not enough trained personnel were on-site to provide emergency medical care.
- Failure to Notify Authorities: The companies did not inform Cal/OSHA before starting an excavation deeper than five feet, as required by law.
- No Safety Meetings: Employers failed to hold mandatory toolbox safety discussions throughout the project.
Trench Safety Is Critical
Trenching accidents can be deadly if safety measures are ignored. To prevent collapses, Cal/OSHA requires protective systems like trench boxes and shoring. Daily inspections are also mandatory to identify potential hazards.
“Ignoring these safety requirements puts workers’ lives at risk,” a Cal/OSHA representative stated. “Employers must follow trench safety laws to prevent serious injuries and fatalities.”
Stronger Enforcement for Workplace Safety
California regulators are increasing safety enforcement to hold employers accountable. This case highlights the severe consequences of workplace negligence.
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Read the official Cal/OSHA citation details here.