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Construction Site Hazards from Trenching and Excavation
Posted on August 06, 2011 by Ronald Todd
The Danger of Trenching and Excavation
Construction fatalities are 112% greater for excavation work than other construction jobs. The most terrifying trenching accidents are cave-ins. They are a major source of construction fatalities. In addition to the fatalities, there are 10 times as many workers that are seriously injured in a cave-in. Almost all of these tragic cave-in accidents were preventable.
Other potential hazards at trenching and excavation work include asphyxiation, inhalation of toxic fumes, drowning, electrocution or explosions from contact with underground utilities.
OSHA requires contractors to protect its workers from trenching and excavation hazards, which include:
- Contractors must have safety plan to prevent accidents. The safety plan must include frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials and equipment by a competent person (29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1)).
- Contractors must train workers to recognize and avoid potential construction site hazards in the work and work area (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)).
Most Common Hazards Causing Trenching and Excavation Injuries
- No Protective System: A competent person must evaluate the excavation and select the appropriate protective system (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P Appendix A and F). The protective systems must comply with 29 CFR 1926.652.
- Failure to Inspect Trench and Protective Systems: A competent person must inspect and protect excavations. See 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, 29 CFR 1926.651 and 29 CFR 1926.651(k).
- Unsafe Excavated Material: Excavated materials must be placed 2 feet back and retaining devices must be used. See 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, 29 CFR 1926.651, and 29 CFR 1926.651(j)(2).
- Unsafe Access to Excavation: Excavation must provide stairways, ladders, ramps or other safe means. See 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, 29 CFR 1926.651, 29 CFR 1926.651(c)
Contact a Construction Injury Attorney
With so many financial considerations on your mind, from medical bills to lost wages at work, you need a construction injury lawyer that understands that you are looking for a way to make ends meet. We handle construction accidents on a contingency basis. You do not pay any attorney fees until you get the compensation that you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident, you need an experienced construction site accident lawyer. Construction accident cases can be won or lost based on investigation conducted by your attorney. The sooner you hire a qualified attorney, the sooner we can start protecting your rights. We offer evening, weekend, and off-site visits in order to better serve you. Call 317-375-7718 or contact us online at www.ronaldtoddlaw.com today for a free conference.
This entry was posted in Construction Accidents, Construction Fatalities, Construction Injury Attorney, Construction Injury Lawyer, Construction Site Accident Lawyer, Construction Site Hazards
