Abstract
On December 3, 2002, a 30-year old Hispanic laborer died when an unsupported 8-foot wall of a trench collapsed on him. Three laborers were working in an unsupported trench when one side caved in, burying one laborer (decedent) and partially burying another Hispanic worker. The third laborer managed to escape the trench unharmed. Two of the laborers were Hispanic, the third was a brother to the owner of the company digging the trench. The coroner pronounced the 30-year old laborer dead at the scene due to asphyxiation.
To prevent similar incidents from occurring, Kentucky Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation personnel suggest:
- Employers should comply with Occupational Safety and Health Act regulations on shoring trenches.
- Employees should be trained in trench and general workplace safety.
- Foreign workers should receive safety training in their native language and be informed of potentially hazardous working conditions.
Document Type
Report
Release Date
3-11-2003
Incident Number
02KY108
Repository Citation
Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, "Hispanic Worker Dies Due to Trench Cave-In" (2003). Fatality Case Reports--Other. 15.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/face_other_reports/15
Case Summary
Included in
Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
Notes/Citation Information
A summary of this case is available as the additional file listed below.