Trenches are necessary for many different construction projects. Frequently, trenching is mandatory when installing or upgrading infrastructure, as well as when building new edifices that require a foundation.
Trench work may not seem as dangerous as working at an elevation. Professionals might only be a few feet below ground level, instead of dozens of feet above the ground. However, working in a trench is one of the most dangerous places to perform job tasks at a construction site.
What makes trench work so risky for construction professionals?
Soil movement is unpredictable
Cave-ins that occur due to the sudden movement of the soil are a top hazard for those working below grade in a trench at a construction site. Rain and the movement of heavy equipment can cause the soil to shift suddenly.
Especially in cases where employers fail to use safety devices, such as trench boxes, workers can end up seriously hurt due to sudden soil movement. When trenches collapse, workers can sustain a variety of injuries, and they are at risk of fatal injuries as well.
Even if workers sustain minor injuries and can return to work, they may still need benefits to pay for their treatment. Workers’ compensation can replace lost income while they are away from work or their reduced earning potential if their injuries result in permanent functional challenges.
Construction professionals may need assistance if they file a workers’ compensation claim after a trench cave-in or other major construction site incident, and that’s okay. Reporting an incident to management, seeking appropriate care and discussing injuries with an attorney can help injured construction workers recoup their losses.