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New OSHA Materials to Help Prevent Fatal Trenching Accidents in Atlanta and Elsewhere

On Behalf of | Oct 21, 2011 | Atlanta work accident, Georgia Work Accidents, Georgia Workers' Compensation |

There are three new guidance products that have been released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to help educate employers and employees about the dangers that trenching workers face. Some of the deadliest work accidents in Georgia and elsewhere that are experienced by the construction industry happen in unprotected trenches. There were more than 200 fatal work accidents from trench cave-ins since 2003. Hundreds more workers were injured in these accidents during the same time. OSHA concludes that many of these accidents could have been prevented. Carelessness on the job leads to injured workers.”No worker’s life should end in a trench. Cave-ins during excavations are some of the most common and grisliest causes of worker fatalities in construction, yet they are entirely preventable,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels.

Our Atlanta workers compensation attorneys understand that there are large amounts of trenching violations that continue to occur within this industry. Workers are urged to report any violations to project managers and to OSHA to help ensure work site safety. An attorney can play a key role in fighting for your rights if you or a loved one has been injured in one of these accidents.

The new educational material that OSHA has provided will be used to help educate employers about the vital precautionary steps that must be taken throughout these types of projects. Employers are urged to review this information and to share it with supervisors and employees to help reduce a risk for a trenching accident. Many trenching accidents are preventable when proper safety precautions are taken.

The three new guidance products:

-“Trenching and Excavation:” This fact sheet provides an overview of a number of dangers that a trenching worker can face. It also provides workers and employers with safety precautions to help prevent accidents.

-“Working Safely in Trenches:” This QuickCard is a simple guide to work against safety hazards.

-“Do Not Enter an Unprotected Trench!:” This is a poster that can be used in workplaces to help educate employees about preventative safety measures to use to make sure everyone is safe near and in a trench.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 270 workers who died from a trenching or an excavation cave-in from 2000 through 2006.

Although the dangers associated with trenching and excavation are typically preventable, we continue to see far too many injuries and fatalities in this field or work. These accidents can be prevented by safe work practices, protective equipment and engineering controls.

If you or a family member has been injured on the job in Atlanta or in any of the surrounding areas and would like to discuss your rights, contact the experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys at J. Franklin Burns. Call 404-920-4708 to make a free appointment to discuss your claim.