A webinar on May 28 with experts from OSHA, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), CPWR (Center for Construction Research and Training) and United Rentals will look at how to increase awareness and knowledge of the factors that may contribute to trenching incidents and fatalities, and ways to mitigate the risks.
Trench incidents and fatalities have increased over the past several years - so much so that OSHA, intent on reversing this trend, updated its National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation in October 2018.
The session will be moderated by Eileen Betit, CPWR’s Research to Practice (r2p) director. Webinar presenters are:
- Scott Ketcham, director, OSHA Directorate of Construction.
- Joe Wise, regional customer training manager at United Rentals Trench Safety.
- Dr. Alan Echt, senior industrial hygienist, NIOSH Office of Construction Safety and Health.
During the webinar, Wise will discuss the results of a survey, conducted by CPWR, of construction and safety & health professionals on trench safety practices in the field. Among the findings were:
- More pre-planning is needed.
- Trenches often are unprotected and there is often not a competent person on site.
- Incidents often involve contractors who are inexperienced or new to trench work.
- New workers often lack proper competent person supervision.
- There is a need to increase training and education on the standard and safe practices.
“Trench and excavation work represent some of the most dangerous jobs in the construction industry. Maintaining up-to-date training on safety regulations and equipment solutions can promote a safety culture that not only provides safe workplaces, but also enables workers to be productive,” said Wise.
To register for the webinar, please visit: https://cpwr.com/news-events.
