The site manager or foreman of a construction site has a duty to their employees to maintain a safe working environment. Even with proper safety equipment installed and necessary precautions taken, trench and excavation sites are some of the most dangerous working conditions to be in.

If you are injured in a Louisiana trench accident and Workers’ Compensation or your personal insurance isn’t covering your medical bills and lost wages, you have the right to consult with an experienced Louisiana construction site accident attorney.

What kinds of accidents occur at trench and excavation sites?

Between heavy equipment nearby and unpredictable natural conditions, trenches are some of the most dangerous places to work in at a construction site, either inside or nearby. Some common examples of trench accidents include:

• falls;
• cave-ins;
• drowning;
• toxic fumes;
• falling debris;
• side wall collapse; AND
• contact with buried utility lines.

At the very least, these sorts of Louisiana trench accidents can cause broken bones, bruises, and cuts and scrapes. Severe accidents can result in head trauma, paralysis, loss of limb, or even death.

Safety Measures For Trench Construction Sites

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration has a set of standards by which a construction site and its management must adhere to when operating a trench and excavation worksite. Aside from basic standards such as providing necessary personal safety equipment, there are many unique safety measures for trenches, including:

• special walking surfaces around the edge of trenches;
• evaluation of the soil type at the site;
• retaining devices such as trench boxes;
• determining the location of utility lines;
• ensuring adequate ventilation and respiratory safety;
• providing safe access to/from trench bottom;
• edge barriers for sides of trenches; AND
• monitoring of hazardous weather conditions.

 
Contacting a Louisiana Construction Site Accident Attorney

Your Louisiana trench accident can cost you thousands in medical bills, lost wages, and unnecessary stress. You have the right to a fair settlement to compensate for your damages and the Louisiana construction site accident attorneys at the Law Offices of J. Price McNamara can help. Contact us to schedule your FREE legal consultation today – (866) 248-0580.