These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Deaths from trench cave-in in the construction industry.
    Author: Suruda A, Smith G, Baker SP.
    Journal: J Occup Med; 1988 Jul; 30(7):552-5. PubMed ID: 3397780.
    Abstract:
    At least 70 US construction workers die each year in trench cave-ins, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards for work in trenches have been criticized as hard to understand and inadequate. This study examined 306 fatal cases, obtained mainly from OSHA investigations, from 1974 to 1986. Most of the deaths occurred in shallow trenches while digging sewer lines, and were caused by failing to shore or brace the walls of the trench. The risk of cave-in death was higher in young workers and those in small firms; only 12% of the deaths were in unionized companies. OSHA issued citations in 94% of the cases, with fines ranging up to $58,400; the average fine was $1,991 per death. Death due to cave-in is a significant risk for construction workers, and can be prevented by proper protective measures.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]