Inspection Detail

Inspection: 14594550 - Methuen Construction Co Inc

Inspection Information - Office: Arizona Division Of Occupational Safety And Health (Adosh)

Investigation Summary

Employees #1 and #2 were in a trench box shoveling dirt out of storm sewer pipe that was approximately 10 feet below ground level. A backhoe was removing dirt from along side the trench box so that the trench box could be moved to straddle a center line. While the employees were working inside the trench box, the backhoe removed some dirt and the embankment slid causing a 10 inch water line to break. As water started spewing out of the line it loosened some clay chunks that trapped Employee #2 against the trench box wall. Employee #1 had jumped up on top of 60 inch diameter pipe and saw that Employee #2 was trapped. Employee #1 jumped down into the water and freed Employee #2. A clay chunk rolled free causing Employee #1 to twist his knee. Employees #1 and #2 were hospitalized and treated for a sprain, and cuts and bruises, respectively.

Keywords: TRENCH BOX, COLLAPSE, TRENCH, PIPE, CAVE-IN, WATER