Call or Chat 24/7

Serving clients across Minnesota
with 13 convenient office locations.

Discuss Your Legal Questions With A Member Of Our Team

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

How Deadly Are Trench Collapses?

While most people understand that construction sites are among the most dangerous work environments, they might not realize where the hazards actually come from. A significant portion of work accidents and construction fatalities are the result of falls from height – falling from a ladder, scaffold collapse or poorly secured railings. However, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), two workers are killed every month in trench collapses.

A trench is a type of excavation used for numerous purposes in construction and civil engineering. Often deeper than they are wide, these excavations are used to hide obstructive infrastructure such as utility mains, telephone lines or pipeline transport. Unfortunately, these depressions can often be unstable – collapsing and killing workers who don’t exercise caution.

OSHA provides numerous examples of protective systems that should be in place in and around construction trenches, including:

  • Benching: This is a method of preventing cave-ins by excavating the sides of a trench to form one or a series of levels or steps to the bottom.
  • Sloping: This method involves cutting back the trench wall at an angle inclined away from the excavation.
  • Shoring: This method involves installing supports – often aluminum hydraulic – to shore up the trench walls and prevent soil movement.
  • Shielding: This method involves the use of trench boxes and other types of supports to prevent cave-ins.

Construction workers must take steps to protect themselves in all aspects of their environment. From ladder falls to soil cave-ins, a worksite can be dangerous – and deadly. If you have lost a loved one in a construction accident, schedule a free consultation with an attorney to learn more about your legal options.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Badge for Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb Top Rated Personal Injury
Badge for Avvo Client's Choice 2019 Personal Injury
Badge for Super Lawyers
Badge for American Association for Justice
Best Lawyers logo
Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent badge
Minnesota State Bar Association (MSBA) badge
Badge for Minnesota Lawyer Attorneys of the Year
FindLaw badge for Milavetz Injury Law, P.A.