Trench Collapse Leads To Work Injuries, Death

Trench collapses are a common source of Georgia workers compensation claims and workplace injury claims. Often, trenches are dug quickly, with little or no structural design required to ensure those digging are actually safe. In January, Michael Wilson, of Chester County, PA, was killed when a trench he was digging collapsed.

Recently, OSHA fined Wilson’s employer, J.D. Eckman, Inc., for failing to have trained supervisors on hand to adequately supervise the digging operation. Additionally, the two men working on the trench were not trained on the use of pneumatic jack hammers, and were using the equipment in a way which led to the collapse.

If you are on the job and performing work for which you were not trained and using tools you’re not completely familiar with, stop working and contact your supervisor. If you’re directed to continue working, take your time and do not rush your task. If you’ve been given tools which are unsafe or not properly maintained,stop work immediately. Under the OSHA regulations, you have a right to a safe workplace. Unsafe workplaces are a large reason people call Georgia Workers’ Compensation lawyers.