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Are New Jersey Construction Trench Accidents Inevitable?

Trench work and excavation are necessary for many construction projects and also potentially dangerous. If the walls of the trench cave in, the results may be catastrophic. There is often no warning when a trench is about to collapse and even small amounts of dirt can cause serious injuries. From 2000 - 2009, 350 people died in excavation accidents in the United States.*

How Employers May Prevent New Jersey Excavation Injuries

However, trench collapses are not inevitable. Rather, the dangers are well known and employers may prevent serious New Jersey trench accidents. Specifically, employers can take certain steps before excavation begins and while excavation is occurring to make sure that employees are as safe as possible.

Specifically, prior to excavation beginning, employers may:
  • Put one qualified and trained person in charge of trench safety.
  • Have a competent person evaluate the soil.
  • Plan the layout of the job so that heavy equipment and other dangers are safely away from the trench.
  • Evaluate and procure the necessary safety equipment so that it is in place before work begins.
  • Train workers before they get into the trench.
  • Develop an emergency plan to use in the event of a trench collapse.

While excavation is occurring, employers may:
  • Ensure that the trench and safety systems are inspected every day.
  • Keep ladders within 25 feet of all workers who are in the trench.
  • Remove workers at the first sign of a problem.

Contact a New Jersey Construction Accident Lawyer After a Trench Collapse

It takes just one mistake for a fatal accident to occur. If you have lost a loved one in a New Jersey excavation accident, or if you have been seriously injured in a trench, then you may be able to recover damages for your loss or your injuries. Please contact an experienced New Jersey construction accident attorney today at 1-800-362-9329 for more information about your rights and potential recovery.

*Source: Workplace Solutions from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Preventing Worker Deaths from Trench Cave-ins, June 2011

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