Construction workers in Connecticut often face dangerous work on the job that can be an inherent part of dealing with shifting earth, unfinished structures, heavy machinery and physical labor. However, on far too many job sites, the health and safety of workers can be compromised by a failure to implement proper safety protocols and follow federal regulations. One of the most dangerous areas of work in the construction industry involves dealing with trenches and excavations, caverns or depressions created in the ground through the removal of large amounts of earth, stone or other materials.
Because trenches and excavations are underground and created by removing tons of soil or rock, they are at a particular risk for dangerous workplace accidents like collapses, cave-ins and falls. Since 2011, approximately two construction workers have been killed on a monthly basis due to collapsing trenches or cave-ins. However, in 2016, the number of fatalities for construction workers doubled over the average that had remained steady for the previous five years.
In response to the increasing threat of dangerous construction accidents, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration identified trench safety as a major priority for 2018. This means that the federal agency will create programs and work to raise awareness about federal regulations and the protective equipment that workers can use in order to help guard against severe injuries and fatalities caused by trench accidents. Many workers’ advocates have pointed out that a lack of enforcement of existing regulations has made the industry more dangerous.
When construction workers experience workplace accidents, the risk of serious personal injuries and lifelong disabilities can be severe. Workers who have been injured on the job have a right to compensation, but they can still face resistance. A workers’ compensation attorney may be able to help workers protect their rights and receive the compensation they deserve.
