Alabama Injury Lawyer Blog

A man conducting pipe repairs for the Alabama Department of Transportation in Bay Minette, about two hours south of Montgomery, was rushed to the hospital following a trench collapse.

Our Montgomery construction accident attorneys understand that he was working in a hole when the dirt that surrounded him began to collapse. Other workers on the site were able to respond quickly and dig him out to safety.

But such incidents should never happen in the first place if those who manage the sites are adhering to the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Occupational Health & Safety Administration.

The fact is, excavating is well-known to be one of the most dangerous jobs on a construction site. The greatest risk in a trench is a cave-in, like what happened here, and these incidents are much more likely than others on a job site to result in worker deaths. Consider that one cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a car. Entering an unprotected trench is akin to walking into an early grave.

In addition to a cave-in, other potential problems workers in a trench might anticipate would be:

• Falls;


• Hazardous atmospheres;


• Falling loads;


• Mobile equipment failures.

If the trench you are in is more than five feet deep, there needs to be some sort of protective system in place to prevent a collapse. The only exception would be if the excavation site is comprised entirely of stable rock.

Trenches that are 20 feet deep or more need to be outfitted with a protective system that is designed by a professional, registered engineer. Safe access and egress devices have to be set up for workers in any kind of trench that is more than 4 feet deep.

Some other basic general guidelines that need to be followed in trench work includes:

• Keeping all heavy equipment far away from the edges of a trench;


• Any excavated soil or other materials should be a minimum of 2 feet away from the edge of the trench;


• Site supervisors need to know where the underground utilities are located before the digging even starts;


• With trenches greater than 4 feet deep, supervisors should be testing for potential atomospheric hazards, like low oxygen levels, toxic gases or hazardous fumes;


• Make sure the trench isn't positioned under raised or suspended materials or loads;


• If there is a situation or condition that could have altered the stability of the trench (such as heavy rain), it needs to be re-examined;


• Everyone working inside the trench should be outfitted with bright, reflective clothing.

OSHA actually recommends that trenches be looked over every day by a "competent person" before a worker goes inside. This would be an individual who knows how to identify any existing or predictable dangers or working conditions that could pose a risk to employee health or safety.

Continue reading "Montgomery Construction Accident Highlights Trench Work Dangers" »

The government reports more than 4,600 people were killed on the job last year -- or about 13 people a day. Hundreds of thousands of others are seriously injured, sometimes disabled, as a result of an accident on the job.

Our Montgomery work accident attorneys note the risks are expected to increase with economic recovery. Though in the Bureau of Labor Statistics report just released, fatal work accident statistics for 2011 show Alabama saw decline, from 92 in 2010 to 74 last year.

Nationwide, there were 4,609 people who died on the job last year -- compared to 4,690 in 2010. However, the government expects to add about 150 to the total as final cases are reported, making any change a statistical wash.

Fatal Alabama Work Accidents

Transportation Accidents: 36
Contact Object/Equip.: 17
Falls: 10
Violence: 6
Exposure: 4
Fire: 1

Safety advocates, including the Occupational Safety & Health Administration continue to push safety programs aimed at addressing three core risk areas: Transportation accidents, falls, and workplace violence.

"On average, 13 workers lose their lives each and every day, and that loss ripples throughout their communities -- Children, parents, brothers, sisters and neighbors all bear an enormous burden when a loved one dies on the job," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "We know how to prevent these fatalities, and all employers must take the steps necessary to keep their workers safe."

Nationwide, violence in the workplace now accounts for more deaths at work than any other type of accident except transportation accidents. A total of 780 people were killed in acts of workplace violence. In many cases, negligent security may be to blame.

Transportation accidents -- and particularly distracted driving -- continue to be a focus. The federal government now forbids all federal employees from using cell phones behind the wheel. And organizations like the National Safety Council continue to push employers to adopt distracted driving policies. Those that don't are opening themselves up to liability in the event of an accident. Employees who are involved in an accident on the job should always consult an experienced attorney about the best course of action.

The number of construction accidents in Alabama and elsewhere has declined throughout the economic downturn. The U.S. Department of Labor reports 721 deaths in construction accidents last year, compared to 774 in 2010. However, that trend is also likely to reverse as the housing market recovers. The Los Angeles Times is reporting the housing market is recovering faster than many economists anticipated.

OSHA also continues to be concerned about the large number of construction accidents among Latino workers. While the overall number of workplace fatalities has declined by about 20 percent in the last decade, the number of fatalities among Hispanics has increased 35 percent. This is particularly true among those in the construction industry.

Continue reading "Fatal Alabama Work Accidents in 2011 a Reminder of Risks" »