A trench collapse incident at a construction site in Pacific Palisades proved fatal for a worker who was buried under 11 feet of soil. The Associated Press reports that the fatal job injury occurred the morning of July 29, 2010 when the man was working in a residential construction site. The worker was trapped inside the trench for three hours and apparently asphyxiated. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of this construction worker for their tremendous loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Trench Collapse Statistics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data show that 271 workers died in trenching accidents from 2000 to 2006. A review of multiple databases by the department's researchers also showed that trenching and excavation hazards during construction activities resulted in 488 deaths between 1992 and 2000, which amounts to an average of 54 fatalities each year. Nearly 68 percent of those fatalities occurred in companies with fewer than 50 workers. About 46 percent of the deaths occurred in small companies with 10 or fewer workers.

Safety Standards

The dangers associated with trench work are entirely preventable. However, workers continue to suffer catastrophic injuries and deaths as a result of trench accidents. There are several state and federal standards that describe engineering controls, protective equipment, and safe work practices to help minimize dangers for workers during trench work. California law requires companies to obtain permits from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health every time a worker enters an excavation 5 feet or deeper. Employers are also required to constantly monitor the stability of the soil around the trench and pay attention to changing weather patterns.

Liability Issues

Families of deceased workers are usually covered by California workers compensation benefits. However, in cases where families have lost their primary wage earner, state worker's compensation benefits are woefully inadequate and hardly cover all expenses and damages associated with such a loss. A knowledgeable Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise families about whether they can file a third party claim against an entity or individual other than the employer, whose negligence may have caused the accident.

What should construction companies do additionally to ensure the safety of workers in trenches?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.