Cal/OSHA Cites Smelly Mel’s and Sewer Rat Plumbing for Serious Safety Violations
February 11, 2025 – Fines for Safety Violations: Cal/OSHA has fined Smelly Mel’s Plumbing and Sewer Rat Plumbing a total of $529,640 for multiple safety violations that resulted in a serious trench collapse accident in San Mateo on August 1, 2024. The investigation uncovered willful and serious safety failures, meaning both companies had prior warnings about the risks yet failed to act.
What Led to the Fines?
On August 1, 2024, workers were replacing a sewer line at a private residence in San Mateo when disaster struck. Without proper trench protections in place, the walls suddenly caved in, burying a worker under debris. As a result, the worker suffered severe injuries requiring hospitalization. Fines for Safety Violations
Cal/OSHA’s investigation revealed 16 violations, evenly divided between both companies. Inspectors determined that basic safety precautions were ignored, creating hazardous working conditions.
Major Violations That Put Workers at Risk
✔ Failure to Inspect the Trench – Neither company ensured a competent person conducted daily safety inspections to detect potential hazards.
✔ No Safe Exit Routes – The trench, measuring over nine feet deep, lacked a ladder or any other safe means of escape.
✔ Lack of Trench Protection – Employers failed to provide required safety measures such as shoring, shielding, sloping, or benching to prevent collapse.
✔ Failure to Prevent Falling Debris – Excavated materials and equipment were not properly secured, increasing the risk of serious injury.
✔ Inadequate Foot Protection – At least one worker used a jackhammer without proper protective footwear, exposing them to foot injuries.
✔ Lack of Emergency Medical Resources – The site did not have an adequate number of trained personnel to handle medical emergencies.
✔ Permit Violation – The employers neglected to notify authorities before starting an excavation deeper than five feet, violating state regulations.
✔ No Mandatory Safety Meetings – Required toolbox safety meetings never took place, leaving workers uninformed about potential dangers.
Cal/OSHA’s Response
Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee emphasized the importance of trench safety, stating:
“Trench collapses remain one of the deadliest hazards in construction. Employers must take all necessary precautions to protect their workers. These citations highlight the urgent need for compliance with safety regulations to prevent tragic accidents.”
Next Steps for Employers
Both companies have 15 working days from the date of the citation to file an appeal with the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board.
Worker Safety and Legal Rights
California workers are protected by law, regardless of immigration status. Employees who encounter unsafe working conditions have the right to report hazards confidentially to Cal/OSHA district offices.
📞 Workplace Safety Concerns? Call 833-579-0927 for bilingual assistance.
📞 Need Employer Guidance? Contact Cal/OSHA Consultation Services at 800-963-9424.
For more legal updates on workplace safety, employer compliance, and labor laws, visit MedLegalNews.com.
🔗 Source: Cal/OSHA Website.
