ACCIDENT SUMMARY No. 55
| Accident Type: |
Trench Cave-in |
 |
| Weather Conditions: |
Good |
| Type of Operation: |
Sewer Line Connection |
| Size of Work Crew: |
1 Plumbing Company Employee/ 1 Independent Backhoe Operator |
| Collective Bargaining |
No |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: |
No |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: |
No |
| Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly: |
No |
| Training and Education Provided: |
No |
| Employee Job Title: |
Laborer |
| Age & Sex: |
44-Male |
| Experience at this Type of Work: |
1 Year |
| Time on Project: |
1 Day |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
A plumbing company employee and an independent backhoe operator were making a sewer line connection in a 13-foot deep trench when a portion of the trench wall caved in burying the employee. The backhoe operator was buried up to his chest in the trench.
INSPECTION RESULTS
As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued a citation to the plumbing company for not shoring up, sloping or supporting the sides of a trench in unstable or soft material.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- The sides of trenches in unstable or soft material more then five feet in depth should be shored, sheeted, braced, sloped or otherwise supported [29 CFR 1926.652(a)].
- The employer must instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards [29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)].
SOURCES OF HELP
- OSHA General Industry Standards [CFR parts 1900-1910] and OSHA Construction Standards [CFR Part 1926] which together include all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations covering construction.
- OSHA-funded free consultation services listed in telephone directories under U.S. Labor Department or under the state government section where states administer their own OSHA programs.
- OSHA Safety and Health Training Guidelines for Construction (Available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161; 703/487-4650; Order No. PB-239-312/AS): a set of 15 guidelines to help construction employers establish a training program in the safe use of equipment, tools, and machinery on the job.
- Courses in construction safety are offered by the OSHA Training Institute, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, 312/297-4810.
NOTE: The case here described was selected as being representative of fatalities caused by improper work practices. No special emphasis or priority is implied nor is the case necessarily a recent occurrence. The legal aspects of the incident have been resolved, and the case is now closed.
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