Construction Worker Trapped in Trench Collapse
A recent construction accident in Massachusetts offers reminders for workers all over about the importance of trench and excavation safety. The accident could just as easily have happened in New York or New Jersey, as these accidents are not uncommon.
According to WHDH.com, a worker on a Marshfield High School job site in Marshfield, Mass., was trapped when a trench collapsed around him. The ground underneath him allegedly gave way as he worked near the trench.
The 12-foot-deep trench had been dug for utility work. Coworkers on the scene immediately worked to uncover as much of the man as possible while they waited for emergency officials to arrive.
“The fire department was in there assisting the guys that were already on scene, attempting to remove him from the sand. The fire department assisted with fully immobilizing him to a back board,” said a spokesperson for the Marshfield Fire Department.
Once he was secured to the backboard, the fire department and construction workers used an excavator to lift the stretcher from the pit.
The worker was treated and released at South Shore Hospital. He has been put on light duty. While his physical injuries were said to be “minor,” he was rightfully shaken up.
The superintendent of the job site said a trench box was used to shore up the ground around the hole and he isn’t sure what went wrong. OSHA has been called in to investigate the accident and make a determination as to its cause.
Trenching and excavating are very dangerous. When a trench collapses on someone, it’s not unusual for them to die while awaiting rescue. This is why trench boxes and other similar supports are so necessary, and constructing them properly is so important. No doubt, OSHA will look at the box to determine if its construction or placement may have jeopardized the stability of the trench.
The construction accident attorneys of Ginarte Gonzalez & Winograd LLP are committed to helping workers who are injured on the job. If you work in construction and are hurt while working, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact us today in New York or New Jersey to discuss how we might be able to help. Call 888-GINARTE now.
