Expert Witness Blog
In Construction Trench Collapse Cases Require Knowledge and Experience with OSHA, construction site expert witness William Gulya, Jr., President & CEO, Middlesex Trenching Company, writes:
Trench collapses (a.k.a. cave-ins) are one of the most feared construction accidents in the underground utility and site-work construction industry. The very thought of being buried alive and crushed by the soil is horrifying and often results in death or serious injury. Other potentially fatal dangers may exist when workers enter trench excavations such as asphyxiation in a confined space and inhalation of toxic fumes. Electrocution or explosions can occur when workers come into contact with underground electric cables natural gas mains or service lines. OSHA requires that all workers in trenches and excavations are protected, and that safety and health programs address the wide range of dangers that may be encountered during excavations. Excavation cave-ins are a major cause of fatalities within the construction industry. The fatality rate for excavation work is 112% higher than the rate for general construction. (OSHA)