Plumbing Contractor Cited for Excavation Hazards Twice in 6 Months

Thursday, April 5, 2018 | 0

A Nebraska plumbing contractor accused twice in six months of failing to protect workers from excavation hazards faces $38,061 in penalties by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

OSHA cited Gavrooden Inc., doing business in Omaha as Mr. Rooter Plumbing, for one willful and four serious violations for failing to use a protective system to prevent trench collapse, failure to train workers on trenching hazards, and failure to place soil piles a safe distance from an open excavation while repairing a sewer line.

OSHA also cited the company last November for similar violations at another work site.

“Trenching and excavation are among the most hazardous jobs in construction,” said Jeff Funke, OSHA Omaha Area Office director.