Case Evaluation

Construction Site Injuries: Collapse of Shoring Walls

Collapse of Shoring Walls
Accident Type:
Collapse of Shoring
 
Weather Conditions:
Clear
Type of Operation:
Boring and Pipe Jacking Excavation
Size of Work Crew:
4
Collective Bargaining
Yes
Competent Safety Monitor on Site:
Yes
Safety and Health Program in Effect:
No
Was the Worksite Inspected Regularly:
Yes
Training and Education Provided:
Yes
Employee Job Title:
Pipe Welder
Age & Sex:
62-Male
Experience at this Type of Work:
18 years
Time on Project:
2½

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCIDENT

Four employees were boring a hole and pushing a 20-inch pipe casing under a road. The employees were in an excavation approximately 9 feet wide, 32 feet long and 7 feet deep. Steel plates 8' × 15' × ¾", being used as shoring, were placed vertically against the north and south walls of the excavation at approximately a 30 degree angle. There were no horizontal braces between the steel plates. The steel plate on the south wall tipped over, pinning an employee (who was killed ) between the steel plate and the pipe casing. At the time the plate tipped over, a backhoe was being operated adjacent to the excavation.

INSPECTION RESULTS

As a result of its investigation, OSHA issued a citation for two alleged serious violations of its construction standards.

OSHA's construction safety standards include several requirements which, if they had been followed here, might have prevented this fatality.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
Provide an adequately constructed and braced shoring system for employees working in an excavation that may expose employees to the danger of moving ground.

If heavy equipment is operated near an excavation, stronger shoring must be used to resist the extra pressure due to superimposed.

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