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Trench Collapses Cause Construction Fatalities in Indiana
Posted on October 13, 2011 by Ronald Todd
Most construction projects require employees to work in trenches to install pipes, cables, etc. When a trench collapses, a worker can be crushed and killed. Construction deaths involving trenches are 100% higher than other construction accidents. The reason trenches cause so many fatalities is that the weight of the dirt prevents the trapped worker from breathing. The worker can suffocate to death or suffer a severe traumatic brain injury due to the lack of oxygen to the brain.
Trench accidents are preventable if general contractors require their employees and their sub-contractors to follow OSHA regulations for excavations. OSHA requires that:
- Contractors must shore, slope or brace trenches before a worker enters the trench. (29 CFR 1926.652(b) and 29 CFR 1926.651(c)).
- Contractors must provide workers with safe access into and out of the excavations. (29 CFR 1926.652(h)).
- Contractors must have a competent person inspect a trench for hazards before a worker enters the trench. (29 CFR 1926.650(i)).
- Contractors must stop the work if there is a possibility of a cave-in. (29 CFR 2926.650(i)).
- Contractors must ensure that their trenches do not have accumulated water. (29 CFR 1926.651(p)).
- Contractors must keep equipment at least two feet from the edge of the trench. (29 CFR 1926.651(q)).
By following these OSHA regulations, wrongful death injuries can be avoid during trenching.
If you or your loved one has been injured at a construction site, call a Construction Accident Indiana Attorney at (317) 375-7718 or online at www.ronaldtoddlaw.com today for a free conference.
This entry was posted in Brain Injuries, Construction Accidents, Construction Accident Indiana, Construction Accident Law Firm, Construction Fatalities, Construction Injury Attorney, Construction Injury Lawyer, Construction Site Accident Lawyer, Construction Site Hazards, Ronald S. Todd, P.C., Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury Indiana
