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

1. 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)].
2. 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.