Workers in the excavation industry face many dangers, including death.
There are numerous hazards and risks associated with the excavation and trenching profession. There have been hundreds of fatalities because of collapsed trenches. According to statistics, the excavation industry has the highest fatal injury rate. Various agencies work to educate and monitor employers to provide the best protection possible for their workers.
Work-Related Dangers in the Excavation Industry
The work-related dangers associated with the excavation industry include:
- Electrocution.
- Suffocation due to the weight of soil covering the worker.
- Asphyxiation.
- Falls.
- Inhalation of lethal vapors.
- Detonation of explosives.
- Drowning.
Possible Causes of a Collapsed Trench
There is one hazard in this industry that induces fear among its workers. This is the danger of a collapsing side wall or trench, or a cave-in. A number of things may cause cave-ins or trench collapses, including the following:
- Recklessness or lack of caution.
- Failure to adhere to the safety guidelines in the trench.
- Flooding.
- Improperly-supported trench.
- Improper excavation of the trench.
- Defective equipment.
- Equipment positioned along the edge of a trench.
- Absence of suitable safety equipment.
Employers are required to follow safety regulations whenever trenches are excavated. They are also required to adhere to the safety rules in the construction of trenches. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other federal and state agencies closely monitor trench digging. However, the existence of safety measures alone does not provide any guarantees against cave-ins or trench collapses.
Work-Related Injuries Resulting From Trench Collapses
There are numerous serious and lethal injuries caused by cave-ins or trench collapses, including the following:
- Cuts and bruises.
- Leg and angle fractures.
- Fractured hands, wrists, and arms.
- Pelvic and hip fractures.
- Injuries of the knee.
- Shoulder, back, or neck injuries.
- Asphyxiation.
- Nerve damage of the limbs.
- Drowning.
- Amputation or crush injuries.
- Pneumothorax or collapsed lung.
- Internal injuries.
- Head injuries that can result in brain trauma.
Injuries resulting from cave-ins or trench collapses may also lead to death. Although some workers may survive a cave-in or trench collapse, they may suffer severe injuries due to the accident. These work-related injuries may force an employee to take time off from work. There are some instances when the worker becomes permanently disabled. The injured employee will need assistance for lost income and medical expenses.
It is advisable that the employee consults with an experienced St. Louis workers’ compensation attorney to ensure he or she receives all the compensation they are entitled to. Call The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300.
Workplace Injury and Accident Causes
Asbestos Removal
Second Hand Asbestos Exposure
Sexual Assault Workplace
Physical Assault at Workplace
Workplace Injuries Assembly Line
At Fault Accident
Workplace Attack
Benzene Exposure
Injured on Lunch Break
Building Collapse
Workplace Bullying
Chemical Exposure in the Workplace
Chemical Hazards in the Workplace
Cold Stress in the Workplace
Combustible Dust Explosion
Computer Use
Construction Site Accident
Conveyor Belt Accident
On the Job Injury Cause by Coworker
Crane Accident
Injuries from Desk Jobs
Diesel Exhaust Fumes Exposure
Digging Injury
Breaking Company Policy
Drowning at Work
Workplace Drug Use
Elevator Accident
Equipment Accident
Ergonomics in the Workplace
Excessive Overtime
Workplace Explosion
Extreme Danger
Fall at Work
Fire in the Workplace
Slicer Accident
Forklift Accident
Walk in Freezer
Gas Pipeline Accident
Hard Work
Workplace Hazardous Substances
Hazardous Equipment in the Workplace
Heavy Machinery Accident
Horseplay in the Workplace
Danger at Workplace
Insomnia in the Workplace
Jumping Accident
Ladder Falls at Work
Loading Dock Accident
Machinery Accident Workplace
Equipment Failure Accident
Mining Accident
Mold in the Workplace
Nail Gun Accident
Workplace Noise
Non Collision Accident
Heavy Objects
Opioid Use
Injury at Work Due to OSHA Violation
Overexertion Injuries at Work
Use of Pain Killers
Power Tool Injury
Inadequate PPE
Repetitive Motion Injuries in the Workplace
Mansfield Bar
Scaffolding Accident
Secondhand Smoke in the Workplace
Side Effects
Silica Exposure
Sleep Disorder
Slip and Fall Injuries in the Workplace
Stairs at Work
Struck by a Vehicle
Tar Fumes
Toxic Chemical Exposure
Toxic Fumes in the Workplace
Car Accident While Working
Trench Collapse
Trips at Work
Unsafe Working Conditions
Workplace Violence
Welding Injury
Winter Hazards in the Workplace
Working Shifts