OSHA Fines Oregon Plumbing Company for Trench Collapse

A state agency has fined Gresham plumbing company for two serious violations after a worker was injured when a trench collapsed in March.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division on Tuesday fined Apollo Drain & Rooter Service $5,600. The agency said workers didn’t install an adequate support system to prevent the collapse.

Danny Russu was replacing a sewer line with two other workers when dirt collapsed onto them on March 3. He spent nearly three hours pinned under the dirt and mud.

The Oregonian reports that the company said it didn’t completely agree with the agency’s ruling but it had reviewed its policies to make sure they meet standards.

The trench collapse happened in Cedar Hills in Washington County.