Excavation and Trench Fatalities Increasing
May 24, 2018
Trenching and excavation operations are extremely dangerous, and recent statistics indicate that fatalities related to trench and excavation accidents are increasing. This serious concern has been made a priority by the U.S. Department of Labor. The group hopes to utilize OSHA to reduce the total amount of these accidents by ten percent. They seek to achieve this goal by September 30, 2019.
Reducing Risk in Trenching and Excavation
The reason this type of industry is so dangerous is because of the massive weight of dirt and the serious risk of flooding in trenches. While most companies employ safety measures, this endeavor remains one of the most dangerous ones in the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, trench and excavation deaths were twice the average amount of the previous five years combined.
The Department of Labor will achieve their goals by using OSHA inspections and greater compliance assistance for companies in need. They are also expected to increase funding for public service announcements, updating safety resources and working with businesses to reduce fatalities. Finally, OSHA will penalize contractors who fail to comply with safety standards with heavy fines and citations. They hope that sharply increasing the fines will produce greater compliance.
Trusted NJ Worker’s Compensation Attorneys
If you believe your employer was negligent in assuring your safety and you were injured as a result, then you need to enlist experienced legal representation to protect your rights and ensure your compensation. The trusted attorneys at Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa and Casazza are well-versed in worker’s compensation law, and our firm will fight aggressively to ensure you are compensated fairly for your injuries. Visit our law firm or contact us at 732-264-4400 for more information about your legal options.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
