When you try to identify risk factors on a construction site, most people will talk about heights. Working at significant elevations can be dangerous, and falls are one of the leading causes of death among construction workers and a major cause of injury.
However, it isn’t just going far above the ground that increases a worker’s risk in the construction industry. Going deep into the ground can also be a source of risk. Excavation or earth-moving is one of the more dangerous elements of construction work.
Those working in trenches could easily get hurt or even die because of their job responsibilities.
Trenches come with the very real risk of a cave-in
When construction workers begin a trenching project, they have to remove a lot of earth. They usually install supports along the length of the trench to reduce the likelihood of the sides of the trench collapsing while there are still workers present.
Unfortunately, not all construction companies take the right safety precautions during excavation projects. Even if they do, a worker positioning a piece of equipment the wrong way could be all it takes to cause the cave-in that injures or traps a worker in the trench. Even weather could increase the potential of the dirt moving unpredictably.
Just like employers should provide training and safety equipment for those who work at an elevation in the construction world, they should also make sure that they protect their excavation workers. Familiarizing yourself with some of the most common sources of construction accidents can help you stay safer on the job.
