ACCIDENT SUMMARY - Cave In
| Accident Type: | Cave-in |  |
| Weather Conditions: | Warm, Clear | |
| Type of Operation: | Excavator | |
| Size of Work Crew: | 2 | |
| Collective Bargaining | No | |
| Competent Safety Monitor on Site: | Yes | |
| Safety and Health Program in Effect: | No | |
| Was the Work site Inspected Regularly: | Yes | |
| Training and Education Provided: | No | |
| Employee Job Title: | Laborer | |
| Age & Sex: | 37-Male | |
| Experience at this Type of Work: | 3 Years | |
| Time on Project: | 2 Days |
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT
An employee was installing a small diameter pipe in a trench 3 feet wide, 12-15 feet deep and 90 feet long. The trench was not shored or sloped nor was there a box or shield to protect the employee. Further, there was evidence of a previous cave-in. The employee apparently re-centered the trench, and a second cave-in occurred, burying him. He was found face down m the bottom of the trench.
INSPECTION RESULTS
Following its inspection. OSHA issued a citation for three serious violations of its construction standards. Had the required support been provided for the trench, it might not have collapsed
ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
- Employers must shore, slope, or otherwise support the sides of trenches to prevent their collapse (29 CFR 1926.652(c)).
- Employers must protect employees with adequate personal protective equipment (29 CFR 1926,650(e)).
- Employers must provide an adequate means of exit from trenches (29 CFR 1926.652(h)).
- Employees must be instructed to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions associated with their work (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)).
SOURCES OF HELP
- Construction Safety and Health Standards (OSHA 2207) which contains all OSHA job safety and health rules and regulations (1926 and 1910) covering construction.
- Excavation and Trenching Operations (OSHA 2226), is a 20-page booklet describing pertinent OSHA standards in detail.
- Safety and Health Excavation and Trenching Operations, available from the National Audiovisual Center (NAC) (Order No. 689601, $60), an instructional program designed to increase aware-ness and understanding of the problems and hazards in excavation and trenching operations. It includes an instructor's guide and 139 slides.
- Trenching, also available from NAC (Order No. 007516, $40), a slide-tape hazard recognition program including 96 slides, instructor's guide, workbook and course outline.
- Sloping, Shoring, and Shielding, a one-day instructional program with classroom session and hands-on workshop, Available from NAC (Order No. 009863, $30), the package includes an instructor's manual, outline for field exercise/workshop and 60 slides.
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.
