New Jersey Personal Injury Blog

Fatal New Jersey Trench Collapse Accident in Knowlton Township

A man was killed in a New Jersey trench accident when the trench he was working in collapsed around him. According to The Express Times, the trench was being dug for residential sewer work. Knowlton, New Jersey Fire & Rescue personnel arrived on the scene and performed CPR on the victim while he was being transported to Pocono Medical Center in Pennsylvania, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

A New Jersey trench accident can occur if proper procedures are not followed or if appropriate supports are not in place. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 271 workers were killed in trenching or excavation accidents from 2000 through 2006. From 1992 to 2000, 488 deaths were caused by trenching and excavation hazards during construction activities. These hazards are usually recognizable and preventable; however, worker injuries and deaths still occur.

Excavating and trenching are recognized as some of the most dangerous construction activities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a Division of the US Department of Labor, has compiled specific standards and directives to address the hazards of excavating and trenching in the construction industry. Twenty-five states in the U.S. have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted standards that are identical to those of Federal OSHA. New Jersey is one of those states, although their plan covers public sector employment only.

New Jersey trench accident injuries and deaths are usually preventable if well-established safety standards are implemented. Construction companies, their supervisors and/or employees, as well as property owners and municipalities may be held legally liable for the injuries and deaths caused by negligence concerning worker safety.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trench accident in New Jersey, the New Jersey trench accident lawyers at Blume Goldfaden can inform you of your legal rights and options, and, help determine whether or not you have a meritorious claim. Contact us for a no-cost consultation at 973-635-5400 to discuss your potential claim with one of our work injury attorneys.