Construction trench dangers

Trenches are a familiar site for those who work in the construction industry. Without them, it would not be possible to supply buildings with water, power, gas and sanitation. Yet they are not something employers and employees can ever afford to get complacent about. 

Construction trenches pose a serious danger to those working on site. Here are some of the ways injuries or death could happen.

Trench collapse

Digging a hole into the earth inherently makes that section unstable. Solid reinforcement must be in place before workers are asked to carry out work inside. That reinforcement and the trench stability need to be monitored regularly to check for movement, especially after rain or a flood that might cause a collapse.

Unsafe air

Some sections of soil have noxious gases inside that could be released into the lungs of anyone working in a trench. Checks must be carried out before digging and after.

Falling into a trench

Employers must ensure trenches are properly marked and cordoned to prevent anyone from accidentally falling into one. It applies as much to those driving machinery as those on foot.

Things falling onto workers inside trenches

Those working inside a trench are vulnerable to anything falling in from outside and landing on top of them. Employers and workers need to give careful thought to where they site stores of supplies, especially things with a rounded edge such as cable spools that could easily roll into a trench downhill if dislodged.

If you or a loved one has suffered a construction trench injury, the costs could be high, so learning how to get adequate worker’s compensation could be crucial.