OSHA cites plumbing company in fatal Butler Co. trench collapse
BUTLER (AP) – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited and fined a western Pennsylvania plumbing company in a fatal trench collapse last year.
The agency says A Rooter Man of Pittsburgh must pay $174,000 in penalties stemming from the death of 21-year-old Jacob Casher. Officials say the Clearfield County man was part of a crew that was installing a sewer line in Butler County in September when an 11-foot-deep trench collapsed, killing him.
OSHA officials say the company took unacceptable risks in the excavation that led to a “preventable” death. Officials say common sense safety practices would have prevented the fatality.
OSHA issued nine citations to the company and says the company failed to protect employees from loose rock or soil.
Representatives from the company weren’t immediately available to comment.