The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) initiated a special emphasis program for trenches and excavations in 1985 and revised the trench and excavation standard in 1989. We examined fatal injuries from trench cave-in in the construction industry from 1984 through 1995 using OSHA investigation data. Fatality rates from cave-in were greatest in 1985 and declined approximately 50% through 1995, while fatal injuries from other causes in the construction industry declined 28% during the same period. The decline in fatal injuries from cave-in was greatest among construction firms with 11 or more employees, who are subject to routine OSHA inspections. The special emphasis program and the revision of the OSHA standard appear to have had some effect in reducing fatal work injury from cave-in.
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this session the attendee will comprehend the scope of trench cave-in fatalities in the U.S. and delineate their reduction following revision of OSHA regulations.
Keywords: Regulations, OSHA
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