Man in Chicago Trench Collapse Avoids injury
A man who was trapped for much of the day yesterday by a collapsed trench in a construction accident appears to have avoided serious injury.
The incident, however, appears to have been entirely avoidable. When workers dig trenches, the pressure from the weight of the surrounding dirt creates a hazard. If the walls of the trench are left unsupported, this pressure causes the trench to collapse and fill the hole with dirt.
Because of this danger, contractors are required to supply and use trench boxes, devices that serve as temporary walls to hold back the dirt.
In this incident, a trench box was likely not used. Contractors who fail to provide the necessary safety equipment, and insure that it is used, are liable to injured workers in construction accident cases.
Angela Rozas of the Chicago Tribune reported: Holmer would not comment directly about whether a trench box, designed to prevent such collapses, was in use when the wall gave way.
"Theoretically, you shouldn't have a trench collapse if you have a trench box," Holmer said.
A trench box sat on a trailer less than 100 feet from the hole.
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