Gravity-related incidents are a common source of construction worker injuries. Workers can fall from a significant elevation. They can also end up hurt when objects fall from above them and strike them.
However, being far above ground level is not necessary for a construction worker to be at risk. Those working below-grade in trenches are also vulnerable. Trenching is necessary for a variety of different construction projects, and it comes with numerous hazards. The possibility of a cave-in is one of the most serious safety concerns for construction workers in trenches.
What causes cave-ins?
Some cave-ins are the result of weather or soil instability. Every location has slightly different soil, which can affect the stability of a trench. Rainwater incursion due to storms can worsen soil instability and create a greater risk of a cave-in occurring. Heavy machinery is also another factor. Those operating equipment on the ground level might get too close to a trench, causing the edges of the trench to collapse inward.
Regardless of whether environmental factors or worker mistakes cause a cave-in, the people in the trench when it occurs are in danger. They can suffer major injuries. In the most severe cases, they could even die. Employers should provide adequate training to ensure that workers know how to protect themselves in trenches and work safely near them. They should also provide appropriate safety systems, such as trench boxes to protect the sides of the space.
Applying for workers’ compensation benefits can help injured construction professionals pay for their medical treatment and replace lost income. Construction workers hurt on the job may need help navigating the state’s workers’ compensation program, and that’s okay.