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Construction Injuries Caused by Excavation Accidents
Posted on November 04, 2011 by Ronald Todd
Excavations are Common Reasons for Construction Site Hazards and Construction Accidents
Construction projects involve work in trenches to install pipes, cables, etc. If a trench collapses, the worker can be crushed and killed. The fatality rate for excavation work is over 100% higher than general construction accidents. Construction fatalities result because the weight of the dirt prevents the worker from breathing and he either suffocates or suffers a traumatic brain injury.
Ways to Prevent Construction Site Hazards and Construction Accidents from Excavations
- Trenches must be shored, sloped or braced. (29 CFR 1926.652 (b) and 29 CFR 1926.651(c)).
- Trenches must have a safe access into and out of the excavation. (29 CFR 1926.652(h)).
- Trenches need to be inspected for hazards. (29 CFR 1926.650(i)).
- Work must stop if there is possibility of a cave-in. (29 CFR 1926.650(i)).
- Trenches should not have water accumulation. (29 CFR 1926.651(p)).
- Equipment must be at least 2 feet from the edge of the trench. (29 CFR 1926.651(i)).
- Caution must be taken when heavy equipment or trucks are operated near a trench. (29 CFR 1926.651(q)).
Excavations have a higher rate of a construction injury than other work. Additionally, the injuries are more severe. Wrongful death or traumatic brain injury can result in a trench collapse.
Proper precautions need to be taken to avoid the deadly consequences of a trench accident.
This entry was posted in Brain Injuries, Construction Accidents, Wrongful Death Claims, Brain Injury Cases, Brain Injury Indiana, 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, Wrongful Death Indiana
