FACEValue: Worker killed in trench collapse

Case report: #2016-16-1
Issued by: Oregon Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program
Date of incident: May 5, 2016

On the day of the incident, a 29-year-old construction worker was part of a crew installing a sewer pipe. The trench he was working in was 10 feet deep and about 3 feet wide. A collapse occurred in an unprotected area. When the trench collapsed, co-workers called 911 and attempted unsuccessfully to dig out the worker. When emergency responders arrived, their first task before rescue and recovery efforts was to shore up the trench to prevent additional collapse and injuries. Emergency responders spent several hours recovering the worker’s body.

To prevent similar incidents:

• Employees working in trenches 5 feet or deeper must select and install appropriate protection systems to protect from cave-ins.
• Have a designated competent person onsite who has the knowledge and authority to identify and promptly correct hazards. The competent person should visually and manually test the soil, as well as consult the shoring or shielding manufacturer’s tabulated data.
• Employers must provide sufficient means of safe access and egress (e.g., ladders, ramps, stairs) for workers in any trench excavation 4 feet or deeper.
• Keep excavated soil and other materials and tools at least 2 feet from the edge of the trench.
• Train workers on trenching safe practices, as well as recognizing hazards.
• Develop a safety culture in which employees are encouraged to voice concerns about unsafe work conditions.

To download the full report, go to cdc.gov/niosh/face/pdfs/16OR016.pdf.