Trench and Excavation Safety

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Trench safety. Wastewater conveyances are often buried deeper than any other utilities, so our industry needs to be aware of trench and excavation safety, and keep our fellow wastewater workers and contractors using the safest practices.

Do any colleagues know of a reliable statistics reference on safety in the construction industry globally? In one research effort in the United States, "NPR, Texas Public Radio and 1A found more than 250 deaths in trench cave-ins nationwide over the last decade". There have been at least 3 trench safety incidents in my region in the last 2 years. I would like to compare this research with other countries and possibly network to widen the swath of awareness about excavation safety.

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1 Answer

  1. From Chat GPT: 

    Here are reliable trench safety statistics and insights from various global sources:

    1. United States (OSHA and BLS Data)

    • According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) , trench collapses are one of the deadliest hazards in construction. Between 2011 and 2021, trench-related fatalities in the U.S. averaged 25 deaths per year .
    • Trench cave-ins have seen a sharp rise recently, with 39 fatalities in 2022 , representing a 160% increase from the previous year​(CPWR).
    • Nonfatal trench injuries were also significant, with 3,070 nonfatal trench-related injuries in construction between 2011 and 2022​(CPWR).

    2. Canada (Ministry of Labour)

    • In Canada , trench collapses accounted for 3-5% of construction fatalities annually. The Ontario Ministry of Labour reported that from 2014 to 2019, trench-related incidents resulted in 22 serious injuries and 5 fatalities .

    3. European Union

    • The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work highlights that trench collapses contribute to a notable proportion of fatalities in the construction industry, although the exact figures vary by country. Trench-related incidents in the EU are often underreported in aggregated statistics, but excavation and trenching are classified as high-risk activities under EU guidelines.

    4. Australia

    • In Australia , trench collapses are less frequent but still pose significant risks. The Safe Work Australia agency reports that between 2015 and 2020, there were 11 fatalities linked to trench collapses. They emphasize the need for better trench shoring and safety measures.

    Global Summary:

    • Trench-related fatalities globally are estimated at around 100-150 deaths per year , with higher incidence in countries with less stringent safety regulations. In developed countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia, fatalities remain but are mitigated through strict safety regulations.

    For global safety efforts, focusing on training, proper trench shoring, and enforcing safety standards can greatly reduce the risks associated with trench collapses. These figures provide a comparative view of trench safety across several key regions.

    2 Comments

    1. Thank you Water Network Research for your response!

    2. Globally, construction safety in trenching and excavation remains a significant concern. In the United States alone, there were 250 deaths in trench cave-ins over the last decade, and incidents rose by 160% in 2022 compared to the previous year, with 39 fatalities from trench collapses​(CPWR)​(Work Zone Safety Clearinghouse). These figures highlight the hazardous nature of trench work, which often involves cave-ins, equipment-related accidents, and improper rescue efforts.

       

      The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has made efforts to curb trench-related accidents, but these numbers indicate the ongoing dangers.

      In comparison to the U.S., global data also reveals similarly concerning statistics, with countries like the UK and Australia experiencing fatalities in trench work, although comprehensive global comparisons are not readily available. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and other safety organizations stress the importance of identifying root causes and implementing more robust safety strategies​(Work Zone Safety Clearinghouse).

      Given your interest in excavation safety awareness, a global approach could involve networking with organizations like the Construction Safety Alliance (CSA) or the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse to compare trench safety efforts across countries. This could help gather broader support and raise awareness on a wider scale.

      1 Comment reply

      1. Thank you @Water Network Research for your response!