Trench Collapses Can Be Deadly
Trenches are common across the U.S., appearing on highways, large construction sites, and new home builds. Thousands of workers, including construction workers, plumbers, and utility employees, work in trenches daily. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a trench as any narrow excavation made below the ground surface that is deeper than it is wide. Due to their depth and the varying stability of soil, construction accidents caused by trench collapses often occur without warning.
Trench collapses claim over 250 lives in a decade
Over 250 workers across the United States died in trench collapses over the past decade, according to an investigation by NPR, Texas Public Radio, and 1A. Experts say every death was preventable. Only one victim was female, and the youngest was only 16. Many companies fail to adhere to basic government safety regulations for trenches, which often results in these tragedies.
Other research shows that the number of deaths from trench collapses in the U.S. has fluctuated over the last decade, peaking at 40 in 2022, a 60% increase from the previous year. Despite OSHA’s efforts to prevent such incidents, the number of deaths remains a significant concern.
"There’s no reason, really, that any worker in this country should be dying in a collapsed trench," said Jordan Barab, who served as deputy assistant secretary for OSHA during the Obama administration. "All trench collapse deaths are preventable if the employer complies with well-recognized OSHA standards."
What did the investigation reveal?
The investigation involved reviewing hundreds of pages of OSHA records, reports, and news releases. Reporters also analyzed a decade’s worth of OSHA workplace accident data and interviewed several sources, including victims' relatives, prosecutors, current and former OSHA administrators, and many other parties.
The investigation found that some companies fined by OSHA for safety violations ignored the penalties and faced no consequences. In one case, a company still owes over $1.4 million in fines imposed after two employees died on the job eight years ago. OSHA had previously sanctioned at least 10 companies that employed workers who died in trench collapses for failing to protect workers. One company was cited five times in four years, while another was cited four times in as many years.
Despite the potential for criminal charges against those who violate OSHA standards, authorities rarely press charges. When they do, offenders receive only fines, probation, or minimal jail time. OSHA can issue imminent danger notices if trenching violations pose a serious threat to workers, but it rarely does so.
Why are trench boxes important?
Trench boxes are crucial for minimizing the risk of injury or death in a trench. Made of solid metal like steel or aluminum, they stabilize trench walls and prevent soil from falling on workers if a collapse occurs. OSHA requires a protective system, such as a trench box, for trenches that exceed 5 feet deep. Trench boxes and other safety measures are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of non-compliance with federal safety standards.
According to Candelario Vazquez, health and safety organizer at Workers Defense Project in Austin, TX, "That system is the strongest system for entering and exiting a trench."
Don't hesitate to get legal help after a trench collapse in Pennsylvania
Whether you were injured in a trench collapse or lost a loved one, you have the right to take legal action. The Pennsylvania construction accident lawyers at Vellner Law, PC, can help you secure the compensation you deserve. We have decades of experience serving the Lehigh Valley, and our firm is well-equipped to handle your case and hold those responsible for your injuries accountable.
We've successfully handled many large work injury cases, including:
- Over $700,000 in settlements for a catastrophic construction site injury.
- Severe loading dock injury compensated through workers' compensation and third-party settlements totaling over $1 million.
- Several work-related injuries resulted in multiple third-party cases.
Whether you're pursuing workers' compensation benefits or a claim against a third party, don't go it alone. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help you take the first step toward recovery.