The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a Omaha, Nebraska plumbing contractor for a second time for failing to protect its workers from excavation collapse hazards.

Gavrooden Inc., doing business as Mr. Rooter Plumbing, faces proposed penalties of $38,061.

Last December, OSHA inspectors observed employees working in an unprotected trench while repairing a sewer line. OSHA cited Gavrooden Inc. for one willful and four serious violations for failing to use a protective system to prevent trench collapse, failing to train workers on trenching hazards and failing to place soil piles a safe distance from the open excavation.

OSHA cited the company in November 2017 for similar hazards at another work site.

“Trenching and excavation are among the most hazardous jobs in construction,” Jeff Funke, OSHA Omaha area office director, said in a statement. “This employer has endangered workers by disregarding safety requirements to prevent cave-ins.”

OSHA’s Trenching and Excavation Safety booklet describes safe work practices that can protect workers from trench collapse and other hazards.