Investigators with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have cited a Floyd County plumbing contractor in connection with the death of a worker who fell to his death at Armuchee High School in June of last year.

OSHA cited K&D Plumbing for failing to test and ventilate a section of sewer line that was being repaired at Armuchee High School after a blockage was found in a pipe.  The worker had entered a manhole and subsequently fell about 20 feet where, according to OSHA investigators, he succumbed to injuries as a result of the fall and subsequent exposure to a high atmospheric concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas”.  The agency also cited K&D with six serious violations for not providing ladders or other safe means of egress from the 6-foot-deep trench and protections or controls for water accumulation inside the trench.

“K&D Plumbing’s failure to adhere to industry guidelines resulted in a preventable loss of life,” said OSHA Area Office Director Jeffery Stawowy in Atlanta-West. “Implementing safety controls and training employees to recognize and avoid hazards is every employer’s responsibility.”

OSHA has proposed $184,387 in penalties.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.