Trench collapses have killed hundreds of workers in the U.S. over the last decade

[sl8]

https://www.npr.org/2024/07/20/g-s1-9028/osha-construction-safety-trench-collapse
(6 min. audio, photos, links, at source)

Trench collapses have killed hundreds of workers in the U.S. over the last decade

JULY 21, 2024 6:00 AM ET
By Cheryl W. Thompson, Robert Benincasa, Avery Jessa Chapnick, Josh Peck

[...]

The men are two of the more than 250 people across the country who died over the last decade when trenches they were working in collapsed, according to an investigation by NPR, Texas Public Radio and 1A. In every instance, the deaths were preventable, experts say. All but one of the victims were male; the youngest was 16. In many cases, the companies failed to follow basic government rules for making trenches safe.

[...]

Among our findings:

Companies fined by OSHA, whose role is to ensure workplace safety, sometimes ignored the penalties and faced no consequences, including one that still owes more than $1.4 million imposed after the deaths of two employees eight years ago.

At least 10 of the companies that employed workers who were killed had been sanctioned previously by the federal agency for failing to protect employees doing excavation/trench work. One was cited five times in four years; another four times in as many years.

While those who violate OSHA standards can be criminally charged, authorities rarely brought charges. When they did, most offenders got off with a fine, probation or little time in jail.

[...]

[...]

[lapfog_1]

1. P2025 will simply end the regulations

so no more problems...

[WmChris]

2. Compliance is necessary

Having worked as union employee for a large regional utility ( gas & electric ) both in the field and as a safety officer for the local union, I know how difficult the fight was to get folks to use shoring. We fought with the company to put the necessary equipment in specific trailers instead of scattered around in various tool rooms. Once that battle was won and the equipment was readily available and accessible. The workers viewed using it as too much trouble. I and others spent many frustrating hours trying to explain OSHA was our friend. We were paid by the hour, and if a job took an extra few hours to be safer for those in the hole, it was not only safer but also paid better. Eventually, most saw the sense not being buried alive, but it took years.

[sl8]

3. Thanks for the the insight. nt

[twodogsbarking]

4. Not how I want to die, squeezed to death.

[mopinko]

5. punishable by a fine legal for a price.

til we start fining companies more than they save by breaking the rules, we’ll keep getting this.