Essential Practices for Safe Trench Work in Utility
Construction
By Travis S . McConnell , Attorney , Ready Legal
Travis S . McConnell June 10 , 2024
Underground utility construction is crucial for installing and maintaining services like water , sewage , gas , and electrical lines . This practice often requires extensive trenching – the process of digging narrow , deep channels . However , trenching presents significant hazards to construction workers . When unaddressed , these risks can result in severe injuries and significant legal consequences for underground utility contractors . Therefore , it is essential to plan for safe operations .
2 DITCHMEN • JUNE 2024
Recent Incident Highlights Hazards of Working in Trenches
The potential dangers of trench operations are vividly illustrated by an incident which recently occurred in October 2023 .
According to OSHA , an employee was working in an underground trench in Roswell , NM , straddling a water line to remove bolts from the line . Unexpectedly , the sides of the trench collapsed , pouring heavy dirt , rock , and sand on top of the employee . According to OSHA ’ s report , the employee ultimately suffocated and died . Following this incident , OSHA conducted an inspection and , in April 2024 , issued four “ willful ” citations and one “ serious ” citation to the employer , with regulatory penalties totaling $ 621,768 .