Safety Net | January 2019

The Safety Net L O C AT I O N C O N S U LT I N G

DESIGN & ENGINEERING

DESIGN-BUILD

IT’S ALWAYS SAFETY FIRST. CONSTRUCTION & CONTRACTING

JANUARY 2019

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1

Carbon Monoxide is the Invisible Killer

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ore than 400 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC). More than 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 others are hospitalized.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that often goes undetected, striking

SAFETY FIRST.

victims caught off guard or in their sleep.

This “silent killer” is produced by burning

Austin employees have

fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves,

worked 2,520,441 hours

lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges,

without a Lost Time Accident through 11/2018.

portable generators or furnaces. When the gas builds up in enclosed spaces, people or animals who breathe it can be poisoned.

Ventilation does not guarantee safety. continued

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says about 170 people in the United States die every year from carbon monoxide produced by non-automotive consumer products, such as room heaters. So as the weather turns colder, it’s important to take extra precautions.

Who is at risk?

The CDC offers these additional tips: • Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year • Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters indoors • Never use a generator inside your home, basement or

Exposure to carbon monoxide can result in permanent

garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door or

neurological damage or death, and anyone can be at risk.

vent; fatal levels of carbon monoxide can be produced

The CDC says infants, the elderly and people with chronic heart disease, anemia or breathing problems are more

in just minutes • Have your chimney checked and cleaned every year,

prone to illness or death, but carbon monoxide doesn’t

and make sure your fireplace damper is open before

discriminate – especially if certain conditions are present.

lighting a fire and well after the fire is extinguished

In July 2015, for example, four young people and a dog were

• Make sure your gas appliances are vented properly

found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning inside a cabin in

• Never use a gas oven for heating your home

Maine. Authorities believe they went to bed without shutting off a gas-powered generator running in the basement.

• Never let a car idle in the garage • Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

How can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in my home?

Winter can be a prime time for carbon monoxide poisoning, as people turn on their heating systems and mistakenly warm their cars in garages.

The National Safety Council recommends you install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home near the bedrooms.

Check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.

Steps to take when the carbon monoxide alarm sounds.

The CPSC says to never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm and do not try to find the source of the gas. Instead, follow these steps: 1. Immediately move outside to fresh air 2. Call emergency services, the fire department or 911 3. Do a head count to check that all persons are accounted for 4. Do not reenter the premises until emergency responders have given you permission to do so

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Winter Driving Tips Exchange - AAA

Severe weather can be frightening and dangerous for

or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when

automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules

especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave,

for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA reminds

let others know your route, destination and estimated

motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather.

time of arrival.

AAA recommends the following winter driving tips: • Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.

• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.

• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.

• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (e.g., wet, ice, sand).

• Always look and steer where you want to go.

• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

• Tips for long-distance winter trips: • Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive

• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA-approved auto repair facility.

• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.

• Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA’s telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.

• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle.

It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.

• Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.

• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress.

At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.

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• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the interior with the engine running.

• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold, including floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.

• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline

Tips for driving in the snow: • Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.

• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds.

This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.

• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.

• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.

• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can.

Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

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Warm Up Your Workforce Using Hierarchy of Controls EHS Today - Karen Hamel -12/13/18

Using the hierarchy of controls

employees face when performing

work typically performed outdoors to

to eliminate and minimize winter

work tasks and provide a safe

indoors or under roof. For certain other

hazards can reduce risk and the

workplace. Like other safety standards,

jobs, work tasks performed outdoors

potential for injuries.

even when hazards and risks cannot

can be postponed or suspended until

Frosty weather forecasts and frigid

be eliminated, applying hierarchy

spring or a time when the weather is

of controls can help to prioritize the

more favorable.

wind chill warnings send many people to their closets for another layer of clothing. For employees who work outdoors in cold weather, more foresight, protection and preparation is required.

Frostbite, chilblains, hypothermia and trench foot are just a few of the hazards that cold weather inflicts upon employees working outdoors. Bulky clothing that impedes movement and inclement conditions that limit the amount of time that may be safely spent performing a task can also leave even well-acclimated workers at risk.

management of risks and minimize the potential for injuries.

Eliminate

eliminated, it’s not possible to flip a switch and substitute warmer weather

by cold weather, eliminating low

for the cold. Some substitutions can

temperatures from the equation is not

be made, however, to help minimize

possible because no one can control

certain cold weather hazards.

the weather. For utility workers, road maintenance crews, emergency medical providers and others whose job specifically involves being on the road or being outdoors, working in rain, sleet, snow, hail, wind and other inclement weather are hazards that need to be minimized using other risk

a specific standard that addresses

management tools.

employers to identify hazards their

Just as cold weather cannot be

When it comes to hazards presented

Even though OSHA does not have cold weather work, they do require

Substitute

In addition to cold injuries, the risk of slip and fall injuries greatly increases in winter months when snow and ice accumulate on walking surfaces.

Substituting footwear with ice cleats for regular work shoes or boots will increase traction and reduce slip and fall risks for employees who need to walk over slippery surfaces.

For some stationary operations, cold hazards can be eliminated by moving

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Employees who need to climb ladders

working in cold weather. Even for

including ice and snow removal, filling

to perform work tasks already face

workers who have lived in a cold

windshield washing fluid, keeping the

multiple risks. Bad weather adds to

weather region for years, the first few

gas tank at least half full, and packing

that list. Substituting enclosed aerial

weeks of cold weather still take some

supplies such as shovels, rock salt,

lifts for ladders shields workers from the

getting used to.

emergency blankets and road flares.

elements and eliminates the need to climb slippery ladder rungs.

Engineering Controls

Administrative Controls Although they are not as effective as engineering controls, substitution

Employees should also be taught how to exit their vehicles properly to minimize the chance of slip and fall injuries.

Because cold weather can neither

or elimination, when administrative

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

be eliminated nor substituted with

controls are used effectively, they

In cold weather, the most visible

warm weather, the next possible way

improve safety and minimize cold-

form of protection and the last line

to minimize cold weather hazards is

related injuries.

of defense against the cold is warm,

with engineering controls. Any device that helps to shield workers from the cold or helps them restore their body temperature should be considered.

Train supervisors to understand that both temperature and wind chill need to be considered when employees will be outdoors. The National

dry clothing. Dressing in loose layers helps keep the body’s core warm and promote blood flow. Layers also allow workers to remove some clothing if they become too warm. Body

One of the simplest engineering

Weather Service, OSHA and other

controls is wrapping the handles

national organizations have published

of metal tools to insulate them so

temperature and wind chill calculators

employees aren’t grasping cold

with recommended time limits to help

handles. Another low-cost engineering

keep anyone who will be outdoors

control is to use plastic sheeting or

safe. Scheduling outdoor work for the

OSHA does not require employers

tarps to help shield workers from drafts

warmest part of the day, using these

to provide winter clothing [29 CFR

and cold winds.

time limits, and requiring the use of the

1910.132(h)(4)(iii),] but if employees

When outdoor work is expected

buddy system will minimize the chance

are required to provide their own

to take a long time, employees

for cold-related injuries.

to protect them from cold hazards,

will need to take warming breaks.

Acclimating employees should begin

Provide mobile warming shelters or

in the early fall and should include

designate areas with radiant heaters

training on proper nutrition. Workers

to restore core body temperatures.

who are well-hydrated and who

These shelters can also be a place for

also avoid caffeinated or alcoholic

providing warm beverages (which is

beverages and nicotine will be less

an administrative control).

prone to dehydration, cold stress and

Providing warm portable toilets in

other work-related injuries.

addition to shelters or heaters is

Employee training should also include

also an engineering control that

stretching exercises and specific

encourages employees to stay

information to help them stay safe, such

hydrated. When faced with the

as the need to stay dry and to take

reality of a chilly trek to a cold toilet,

frequent breaks to warm themselves.

some workers will forego drinking a

Teaching employees how to recognize

sufficient amount of liquids and allow

signs of cold stress in themselves and

themselves to become dehydrated.

their coworkers, as well as basic first aid

Engineering controls, such as warming

skills can prevent more serious injuries.

shelters and radiant heaters, are

For employees who will be driving,

especially important for employees

develop procedures to help ensure

who are not fully acclimated to

vehicles are ready for the day,

extremities, including the head, hands and feet, also need to be covered because they are the first areas to become chilled.

employers must ensure it is adequate, properly maintained and sanitary [29 CFR 1910.132(b)]. Most employers provide winter outerwear for their employees because it allows them to incorporate other necessary safety elements such as hi-vis colors or reflective striping without adding another restrictive or bulky layer.

Adapting to working in cold weather conditions requires both employers and employees to be aware of the specific hazards cold weather work adds to their job duties. It also requires a coordinated effort to make working conditions as tolerable as possible. Using the hierarchy of controls to eliminate and minimize hazards reduces risk and the potential for injuries.

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Construction Crane Collapse in Downtown Bradenton Kills Worker Jessica De Leon - 12/13/18 Bradenton - A 45-year-old construction worker was killed Thursday morning after a crane collapsed, pinning him underneath it at the Twin Dolphin Marina in downtown Bradenton.

Bradenton police officers, who were working outside their headquarters across the street from the marina, heard the crane, saw it fall and ran to the scene just before 9:30 a.m., according to Capt. Brian Thiers, who was among the officers.

“One of the workers was drilling into the pilings and they saw the crane start to go,” Thiers said.

Chadwick Adam Brown, who was not operating the crane, tried to get out of the way, but he was pinned underneath.

At least 30 to 40 construction workers, including those from the nearby project at the South Florida Museum, police officers and others, were able to lift the crane and free Brown. He fell into the water and was pulled out. Police began CPR until the Bradenton Fire Department and paramedics arrived.

Brown’s injuries were too sevvere, however, and he died shortly after on the dock.

Another construction worker was injured, not during the collapse, but during the attempts to save Brown. He was taken by paramedics to a local hospital to be treated.

“It appears as though the crane snapped,” Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan later said during a media briefing. “It clearly was a horrific accident.”

Bradenton police are handling the initial death investigation, which has already been preliminarily ruled an accident, according to Bevan.

Officers and construction workers at the scene were visibly distraught. One construction worker was sitting crying as he was comforted by another worker when paramedics were working to save their coworker.

The $5.2 million renovation and expansion of the city-owned Twin Dolphin Marina has been underway for several months.

The project has been partially funded by a $1.3 million grant the city received through Florida Fish & Wildlife’s boating infrastructure grant program.

“We are deeply saddened by the horrific accident that claimed a man’s life this morning at Twin Dolphin Marina. All of us at the city of Bradenton extend our condolences to the victim’s family and friends, as well as to his co-workers who were on the scene,” Mayor Wayne Poston said in an issued statement. “The heroic efforts of officers from the Bradenton Police Department, Bradenton Fire Rescue and dozens of workers and civilians who rushed in to help should be acknowledged.

Our ongoing prayers are with the victim’s family at this most painful time.”

The marina is operated by Hugh Miller, the owner of the adjacent Pier 22 restaurant, who has had a long-term lease with the city and is funding the remainder of the project.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of an endeared employee of the general contractor working on the Twin Dolphin Marina Construction Project,” Miller said in an issued statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, coworkers and friends.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Florida Department of Environmental Protection State Watch Office have been notified of the accident. An OSHA inspector later arrived on scene and was taking photos of the crane.

Brown, of St. Petersburg, was a foreman with All American Concrete, based out of Largo, which has been contracted for the project at Twin Dolphin. He was married with children.

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Making Safety Smart: A look at the future of integrated life safety.

EHS Today - Rodger Reiswig - 12/7/18

The era of “smart buildings” is here, bringing new

already begun some integration for a few years now, with

opportunities for significant gains in efficiency, safety and

things like HVAC and lighting. Now we’re seeing tighter

environmental protection. Let’s look at the impact of

integration where, for example, we can use the position of

smart buildings on fire detection and what it means for

the sun to get the best impact of sunlight to start to heat

organizations planning new facilities.

the building in the winter.

To begin, let’s recognize that the term “smart buildings” means

One of the biggest challenges we see in the smart building

different things to different people. For some, it’s all about the

environment is protocols or topologies for how one system

Green Initiative. Is the building able to sustain itself or reduce

talks to another. The fire alarm system uses a certain

its carbon footprint? Can they reuse some of their water or

protocol or language. The HVAC system uses another

generate electricity from onsite solar cells or wind turbines?

protocol or language, and so on.

Another definition of “smart buildings” is based on sensors.

Creating an environment where systems can talk to one

Is the building smart enough to know that, if I’m the first

another and not just send, but also receive information—

person there in the morning and I swipe my card, it should

that’s the difficult part. Everybody can send information

switch the HVAC system into occupied mode? Can it start

out. It’s easy for me to tell you what is happening in a

to turn the lights on? Can it adjust the window shades to

system. But for you to tell me what’s happening in your

allow the sun to come in? Can it call the elevator down for

system and then expect me to do something with that

me because it knows that I’m in the lobby and I’m going

information, that’s when it gets a little harder.

to the tenth floor?

It’s all about how the systems integrate with one another—

System-to-System Communication

not just providing information to each other, but also

Because of the critical role they play in protecting lives

interacting with one another, causing things to happen

and property, life safety systems require a level of reliability

from one system to another.

and resilience far beyond that of other building systems

How close are we, then, to the vision of an integrated intelligent building where all the systems work together to maximize efficiency, safety and cost savings? We’ve

or networks. Therefore, we have to be extremely careful about how we allow information from other systems to come into the life safety system, in case that information should affect the performance of the system.

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In addition, the design and specification of life safety

Here’s another example: Let’s say we have a big parking

systems is guided via three different means:

garage next to a mall. Cars come in and perhaps some

1. Building codes

people leave their cars running, or the cars aren’t operating

2. Standards

3. Listings

Each of those means is controlled by different organizations. Any proposed changes to life safety networks must pass muster with those entities, and that takes time, effort and consensus-building.

as efficiently as they should be. You could have carbon monoxide detectors and occupancy sensors in the garage, and when the garage becomes crowded and carbon monoxide levels start to rise, you could tell the fire alarm system not to go into alarm, but instead to turn fans on

When we’re talking specifically about system-to-system

to get some fresh air moving throughout the building.

communication, the listing entities—organizations like UL

And so it’s performing a life safety function, but at a non-

and FM Global—regulate how much information can

emergency level.

come into any life safety system. The listing documents require there be some type of a barrier or gateway to

Future Developments

prevent unauthorized or corrupted information from

We are now looking at how we can use these systems

coming into a fire alarm system, causing harm or causing

strategically to make life safety systems better. And

it to lock up.

life safety is becoming more nuanced, proactive and

There are listed gateways that can accomplish this. For

comprehensive. Can I communicate and use this

example, you could take a building automation system

information to unlock a door so people have a clear egress?

and a fire alarm system and get them UL-listed together,

Can I start to use the elevators to evacuate people during

allowing them to send information in both directions.

an emergency?

We will see all building technologies become more

We’ve been told traditionally to use the stairwell and not the

integrated over time, as we work through the different

elevator in the event of a fire. But it takes a person about

entities and people begin to realize the benefits of

a minute a floor to get out. That’s a problem if you’re in an

improved safety, lower environmental impact, and

80-story building. You have elevators sitting there. Is there

reduced costs.

something we could do to allow these elevators to be used to evacuate people? The American Society of Mechanical

Internet of Things

Engineers has been working to develop the language and

The Internet of Things (IoT) is another factor, as more

requirements to do that. It’s just one example of how having

smart devices and intelligent sensors are being deployed

systems integrated and talking to each other allows us to

in buildings. There are a number of ways fire detection

create smarter solutions that can help make facilities safer.

systems will benefit from other sensor information being

The most important thing is to build awareness. The average

communicated throughout a building.

building owner doesn’t know a lot of this technology even

One of the things being explored is occupancy sensors

exists. So we need to inform them there are options they

that tell where people are located in a building. Some type of telemetry could be used to understand where people are concentrated in a facility and, based on that, make the fire alarm system more or less sensitive to smoke.

If a lot of people are congregating in one area, there

can ask about. One of my recommendations would be to ask your design engineer. As you discuss the kind of windows you want, the kind of flooring and lighting and so on, ask how these systems could integrate together and what the benefits of integration would be. The bigger your facility, the

might be more activity and more dust being stirred up.

greater the benefits of integrating these systems.

You could use that information to set different alarm

Another resource people don’t use often enough is the AHJs,

parameters compared to, for example, an empty building with no significant air movement. We see that type of operation happening. Knowing how many people are in a building and where they are located is also a critically valuable piece of information for first responders.

the authorities having jurisdiction. That’s the local fire marshal, the fire chief, the local first responders. Don’t be afraid to sit down with a fire marshal, tell them what kind of building you’re in, and ask them what would help them respond in the event of an emergency in that building. They’ll be glad you asked, because these people see a lot of different buildings and respond to emergencies every day.

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TRADE RELEASE U.S. Department of Labor

For Immediate Release

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Office of Communications

Date: Dec. 18, 2018 Contact: Office of Communications

Washington, D.C.

Phone: 202-693-1999

www.osha.gov

Statement from OSHA Regarding Decline in Workplace Fatalities in 2017 United States Department of Labor - 12/18/18 WASHINGTON, DC – As thousands enter the workforce, there were 43 fewer workplace fatalities in 2017 than the previous year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2017 (CFOI) report released today. The fatal injury rate also decreased from 3.6 percent in 2016 to 3.5 percent in 2017.

“While today’s report shows a decline in the number of workplace fatalities, the loss of even one worker is too many,” said Loren Sweatt, Acting Assistant Secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). “Through comprehensive enforcement and compliance assistance that includes educating job creators about their responsibilities under the law and providing robust education opportunities to workers, OSHA is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the American workforce.”

In addition to the decline in overall fatalities, crane-related workplace fatalities and fatal occupational injuries in the private manufacturing industry and wholesale trade industries reached their lowest points since the CFOI started in 2003.

“The scourge of opioid addiction unfortunately continues to take its toll on workers across the country, demonstrating the importance of this Administration’s efforts to tackle this crisis.”

The number of unintentional overdoses due to the nonmedical use of drugs or alcohol while at work increased by 25 percent – the fifth consecutive year overdose deaths rose by at least 25 percent.

Employers who need assistance in meeting their safety obligations can take advantage of OSHA’s no-cost and confidential On-Site Consultation Program. OSHA Training Institute Education Centers (OTIs) also provide training workers, employers and other safety professionals across the nation.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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7 Ways to Stay Healthy and Safe During Business Travel Over the Holidays Work travel during the holidays can add to an already stressful time of year.

EHS - Stefanie Valentic - 12/12/18

End-of-year business travel can be strain when trying to maintain a work-life balance during the holidays. As millions hit the roads or travel by air, health and safety is easily forgotten during the hectic holiday rush.

Hyryde, powered by Reliance, has released an infographic that details how to prepare for a business trip and arrive home safely, just in time for dinner with the family.

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Charlie Engel: Continuing Excellence in Safety

Awesome Job Charlie!

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Trench Excavation Deaths Hit All-Time High Construction Equipment - 12/11/8

Over the past two years, deaths from trench cave-ins have hit an all-time high on single-family construction sites.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2016, the 23 excavation and trench-related fatalities were double the average of the previous five years. In 2017, only 17 trench deaths were reported; but according to Builder Online, combined with

An uptick in fatalities stemming

The accidents plague residential

injuries reported to OSHA involving

from trench collapses on residential

projects, often occurring when sewer

trenches, it was the most dangerous

construction sites is partly related to

lines are updated or new water pipes

year for trench safety in recent history.

the labor shortage.

are laid. According to OSHA, nearly

The article suggests that accidents

The accident report fits a familiar

one quarter of all trench accidents

primarily “plague” residential projects

pattern: Workers are installing a water

and often occur when sewer lines

or sewer line. They dig a ditch seven

are updated or new water pipes

to nine feet deep and a worker climbs

are laid. One-quarter of all trench

in, even though the trench hasn’t

accidents from 2013-2017 happened

been properly shored, benched or

at single-family job sites and saw more

supported with steel walls.

trenching accidents than at pipeline dig sites and road construction.

Sometimes, someone on site notices a crack forming in the soil above the

Organizations like the National Utility

trench just before the wall cleaves

Contractors Association (NUCA) have

off and buries the worker under three

been offering trench excavation safety

to five cubic yards of dirt, each

training for 28 years. George Kennedy,

weighing more than a ton. Attempts

the group’s VP, told the publication

at digging the victim out often result

that the problem with trenching deaths

in a second wall breaking loose and

primarily centers around the growing

the rescue effort quickly turns to a

shortage of skilled labor.

recovery mission.

“In 2008, the industry went downhill

For the past two years, in places like

and the number of fatalities went

Blue Springs, Mo., Grand Rapids,

way down, because there was

Mich., and Jacksonville, Fla., deaths

less work,” Kennedy said. “But now

from trench cave-ins have hit an all-

that the construction industry has

time high on single-family construction

bounced back and skilled labor is in

sites. According to the Bureau of

short supply, builders are hiring more

Labor Statistics, 2016’s 23 excavation

unskilled workers to replace those who

and trench-related fatalities were

left during the Recession.”

double the average of the previous

“Now, ten years later, you’ve got a

five years. Although 2017 saw only 17

bunch of young guys coming to work with no experience, especially with trenching and excavation.”

deaths, when combined with injuries reported to OSHA involving trenches it was the most dangerous year for trench safety in recent history.

from 2013 to 2017 happened at single family jobsites. During the same period single family jobsites saw more trenching accidents than at pipeline dig sites and road construction.

When multifamily jobsites are added to the mix, residential construction sites accounted for 30% of all trenchrelated deaths and serious injuries.

In most cases, deep trench work is done by plumbers or excavators working for plumbing contractors to dig the troughs needed for water or sanitary lines. The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), a Fairfax, Va.-based trade group, has been offering trench excavation safety training for 28 years. The group’s vice president of safety says the roots of the problem have to do with the country’s growing shortage of skilled labor. “In 2008, the industry went downhill and the numbers of fatalities went way down, because there was less work,” George Kennedy says.

But now that the construction industry has bounced back and skilled labor is in short supply, builders are hiring more unskilled workers to replace those who left during the Recession. “Now,

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10 years later, you’ve got a bunch of young guys coming to work with no experience, especially with trenching and excavation,” he says.

Prevention 101 OSHA rules about trench excavation

of 34 degrees, or 18 inches out, for one foot of trench depth.

are quite specific, starting with any

Benching is similar to sloping and

ditch more than five feet deep that

involves widening the slope of the

The NAHB has also taken note of the

is not cut into stable rock must be

trench and adding ‘benched’

issue. Robert Matuga, assistant vice

protected from cave-ins. The job site

intervals in the wall for added support.

president of safety and health, agrees

must be supervised and inspected

the fatalities are a symptom of an

by a “competent person” who is

Shoring systems are made up of

over-stretched labor force. “There’s a

qualified to recognize hazards and

labor shortage right now; there’s high

who has the authority to take quick

turnover in the industry which means

action to eliminate the hazard,

we have folks coming in that may or

including, if necessary, stopping the

may not have been trained,” he says.

work. That same competent person is

braces, sheeting and shores that provide reinforced, temporary walls to prevent cave-ins. Most are made from timber or aluminum with hydraulic braces, which is the most common type used. Soil type, length, width and depth of the trench

Legal Questions

determines the specific design of

Even though trench

the shoring system.

digging is usually

Shielding uses trench boxes,

handled by plumbers or

also known as trench shields,

excavators working for

comprised of two large, solid

plumbers, builders can

plates held by four cross members.

be liable in the event of

The specific conditions of the

an accident. To avoid

trench also determines the kind of

trench-related problems

box that can be employed.

and keep crews out of harm’s way, NUCA

According to NUCA, the best

suggests looking at

way to get in and out of a

an excavator’s OSHA

trench is via a secured ladder

history online, along with checking

also charged with testing the soil via a

that extends 36 inches above the

references. Requirements about

visual and hands-on inspection.

point of access. Besides NUCA and

adhering to proper excavation

OSHA has four classifications for soil,

techniques should be included in any contract binding the builder and the excavator. Since the builder can be held accountable by OSHA via third party liability, the builder should oversee and inspect the work.

including stable rock and Types A, B, and C, based on the stability. The classes can be effected by depth of the trench and existing climate conditions, including rain. For any trench deeper than five feet or any

OSHA, the U.S. Department of Labor also offers training in safe excavation techniques. Information is available in the forms of audio, printed material, web pages and videos. On October 1, OSHA officially kicked off its National Emphasis Program targeting trenching and excavation.

Responsible parties face stiff penalties

trench that shows signs of collapse,

and fines. For instance, in January, the

OSHA requires sloping, benching,

OSHA tries to make it easy to comply

owner of a residential construction

shoring or shielding.

with trench excavation regulations

firm near Seattle was charged with

Sloping refers to angling the walls of

felony manslaughter after one of his workers was killed in the collapse of an unshored seven-foot-deep trench.

In addition to the criminal charge, the company was fined $51,500.

Other fine amounts levied by OSHA for recent cave-ins across the country range as high as $294,000.

the trench away from the center. For Type A soil in trenches less than 20 feet deep, OSHA wants to see a slope angle of 53 degrees or nine inches out per one foot of trench depth. For Type B, OSHA requires one foot sloped out for every one foot depth, an angle of

and offers free on-site consultations separate from the enforcement division and will not result in penalties or citations. “Education is the key,” says Kennedy. “People take it for granted because they do a lot of trenching with nothing going wrong and all of a sudden it caves in and it’s tragic.”

45 degrees. Type C requires an angle

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