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Day Laborer Dies in a Collapsed Trench Being Dug to Repair a Sewer Line — California						Print
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										California Case Report: 22CA003
Release Date: November 1, 2023

SUMMARY
On September 14, 2022, a 34-year-old Hispanic day laborer, along with three other day laborers, dug an eight-foot-deep trench to expose a damaged sewer line. Unexpectedly, while digging, they exposed and broke a water line. Water and dirt filled the trench and created a thick mud. The victim became submerged under the mud and was unable to be extracted by co-workers or rescue personnel.
**CONTRIBUTING FACTORS**
Lack of competent person onsite.
Permits were not requested or issued for the work being performed.
Workers were in an eight-foot-deep trench with no shoring.
Water line was not turned off before or during work.
Lack of training for workers in trenching safety.**RECOMMENDATIONS**
California FACE (CA/FACE) investigators concluded that, to help prevent similar incidents, mobile home park owners and plumbing contractors should ensure:
Trenches five feet deep or greater are properly shored, shielded, or sloped.
Trenches are inspected by a competent person.
A licensed plumbing contractor is used to perform trenching and excavation work.
Day laborers are properly trained on hazards associated with working in a trench.Day Laborer Dies in a Collapsed Trench Being Dug to Repair a Sewer Line — California [PDF – 2 MB]
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  November 28, 2023						Source: 	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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