DID YOU KNOW? In 2003, OSHA conducted on investigation because there were 48 trench fatalities. Because of these steps with more information of trench hazards and stepped up enforcement the annual trench fatalities declined. But fatalities still occur. The results of OSHA’s investigation are useful in understanding why trench fatalities still occur today and how to avoid them. Main Reason

1. Trenches collapse because they are not properly protected.
2. Protective systems were properly employed in only 24 percent of the trenches. In the remainder, a protective system was either improperly used (24%), available but not in use (12%) or simply unavailable (64%).

Competent Person Further, despite […]