NJ Trench Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Trench Accident? Call 973-845-4421

A trench is a narrow channel in the earth that is deeper than it is wide. An excavation, on the other hand, is any man-made hole or trench that is made by removing earth. Both are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as one of the most hazardous construction operations. The principal danger related to trenching is worker injury from collapse. Each year in the U.S. trench collapses (or cave-ins) result in more than 5,000 serious injuries and 100 deaths.

Besides trench collapse, other dangers include working with heavy machinery, material handling, working in high traffic areas, electrical risks from power lines, and dangers concerning underground utilities, such as natural gas. In fact it is the workers who install and repair utility lines, water and sewer lines, television cables, and who build roads, who are at the greatest risk of injury from trench collapse. As a result, these workers, and anyone who works with or in trenches must be aware of the hazards associated with trench work to be able to greatly reduce the risk of injury. For instance, analysis of the soil is critical with regard to determining the correct sloping, benching, and shoring of a trench. Similarly, it is equally important to know, and protect against other causes of collapse, including: vibration of nearby construction equipment or vehicle traffic, weight of equipment that is too close to the edge of the trench, and water weakening the strength of the trench sides.

Protective systems should be provided to help guard workers from injury due to trench collapse or from the collapse of adjacent soil and structures. These protective systems can include shoring, sheeting, shielding, sloping, and benching. It is up to the planners, designers and supervisors of the construction project site to determine which worker safeguards will work best. Often, professional engineers are required to evaluate the proposed trench work. Additionally, trenches deeper than four feet must have a means of entrance and exit, typically a ladder for approximately every 25 feet of travel along the trench. Always remember, when digging underground, the location of any utility services must be located before digging; Call before you dig.

FREE CONSULTATIONS FOR TRENCH COLLAPSE VICTIMS

The New Jersey workplace accident attorneys at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari have experience in working on cases involving trench collapse accidents and excavation accidents. They have the skill and resources necessary to investigate your case quickly and thoroughly in order to identify the parties responsible for your accident and injuries. Once the culpable parties are identified, they can help you to obtain a recovery for your physical injuries, past, present and future lost wages, as well as any past and future medical related expenses. Call today at 973-845-4421 for a free consultation regarding your possible case.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Trenching and Excavation – NIOSH
• Preventing Worker Deaths from Trench Cave-ins
• Trenching and Excavation