Smelly Mel’s, Sewer Rat Plumbing fined nearly $530,000 after San Mateo, Calif., trench collapse

FOSTER CITY, Calif. (UI) — California workplace safety regulators have fined Smelly Mel’s Plumbing and Sewer Rat Plumbing a combined $529,640 for safety violations linked to a trench collapse that seriously injured a construction worker in San Mateo on Aug. 1, 2024.

Cal/OSHA cited each company for eight violations, including two willful, serious accident-related infractions, meaning the employers were aware of the risks but failed to act.

“Trench collapses remain one of the most serious hazards in construction, and employers must take all necessary steps to protect their employees,” Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee said. “These citations serve as a reminder that businesses must prioritize worker safety, especially during high-risk operations to avoid tragic accidents.”

The incident occurred at a private residence where a crew was working on a sewer line project. The trench collapsed, trapping a worker under debris and causing severe injuries that required hospitalization.

Regulators cited both companies for multiple safety lapses, including:

• Failure to inspect the trench and surrounding areas for hazards.
• Lack of safe exits, leaving workers without a ladder or other escape routes.
• No protective systems such as shoring, shielding, or sloping to prevent collapse.
• Failure to protect workers from falling debris.
• Insufficient foot protection for workers using heavy equipment.
• Inadequate emergency medical provisions at the site.
• Permit violations, as the companies failed to notify regulators before excavating beyond five feet in depth.
• Lack of safety meetings during the project.

Both companies have the right to appeal the citations within 15 working days.

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