Trench collapses are the most dangerous hazard for trench work. Read more about how to prevent collapses, and contact NASP about their trenching safety course!

Jul 21, 2024 · NPR compiled a database of trench collapse deaths between 2013 and 2023 and found in instances where workers perished in trench collapses, about 5% of employers were criminally charged.

Feb 23, 2024 · Without a protective system in place, a trench collapse can crush and suffocate workers. Working in an unprotected trench is dangerous. The walls can collapse suddenly and without warning. When this happens, workers do not have time to move out of the way.

Trench collapses, or cave-ins, pose the greatest risk to workers' lives. To prevent cave-ins: Employers should also ensure there is a safe way to enter and exit the trench. Keep materials away from the edge of the trench. Look for standing water or atmospheric hazards. Never enter a trench unless it has been properly inspected.

Trench collapses, or cave-ins, are more likely than other excavation-related incidents to result in worker fatalities. It only takes seconds to become buried in thousands of pounds of soil. Trench hazards can be controlled when employers act responsibly, train employees, and follow federal standards. These important steps can keep excavation ...

Trench collapses, or cave-ins, pose the greatest risk to workers’ lives. When done safely, trenching operations can reduce worker exposure to other potential hazards include falls, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres, and incidents involving mobile equipment. OSHA standards require that employers provide workplaces free of recognized hazards.

A trench collapse occurs when the walls of an excavated trench cave in, trapping workers below. Imagine standing in a deep, narrow ditch, and then suddenly, the walls collapse inward, burying everything in dirt and debris.

Jun 14, 2023 · Trench collapses have a reputation for causing significant bodily harm or loss of life. For example, fatalities are twice as likely in trenches when compared to other areas at a construction site. Trench collapses are considered to be some of the most dangerous types of construction accidents.

Jul 19, 2024 · Every day across the country, scores of workers toil in trenches, the glorified ditches you see along the highway at large construction sites and new home builds. Without the proper systems in...

Learn about collapsed trench dangers, OSHA's role, real-life impacts, and key prevention steps to stay safe during trenching and excavation projects.