what not do with a backhoe

Junkman · Dec 18, 2003

It is hard to believe that a worker would even get into a trench without having the steel guards installed into the trench beforehand. In this case, I am not certain who used the least amount of common sense... the excavator operator that decapitated the man, or the laborer that went into the trench without the proper reinforcement safety precautions. OSHA is going to have a field day with this one!!!!!!

keeney · Dec 19, 2003

Maybe the backhoe was the only chance of getting them out quick enough to save them? Its not clear how deeply they were buried. Maybe the accident viticms were buried so deep as to not be visible?

- Rick

Junkman · Dec 19, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Maybe the backhoe was the only chance of getting them out quick enough to save them? Its not clear how deeply they were buried. Maybe the accident viticms were buried so deep as to not be visible?

- Rick
)</font>

The original post said that he was buried up to his neck and it was a backhoe, however, the Newsday article said it was an excavator, not a backhoe that took his head off... Makes me wonder what the operator was thinking of when he tried to dig them out.... I don't understand why he would dig so close to the man that was buried up to his head. I have a feeling that when all this is played out, the machine operator will be charged with involuntary manslaughter .. The only thing that might save him is if the coroner determines that he was already dead before being decapitated..... The construction company is grossly negligent for not providing the proper equipment to do the job safely in the first place. These type of trench collapses are very common and that is why they require a "trenching box"... If you would like to learn more about these type of accidents and how to prevent them, read this web page. Any trench deeper than 5' must have protection for the workers safety and the specifics are spelled out clearly for all contractors. It is cost savings that cause these type of tragidies.....

Taylortractornut · Dec 19, 2003

ive had to dig a collpse in a trench but i had sence enough to dig infront of the worker. The site had som real loose ground and it flowed into the trench box. I dont thing he was buried to the neck up if he had been it would have been hard to have hit him. on the other hand if he was covered up he could have been a pure accident. Alot of workers arent trained in what to do in a cave in. The first thing to do is to locate the worker with hand tools. Still dangerous but alleast you can find where they start at. alot of companies think 6 thousand is to much to pay for a trench box but they usually dont have that after OSHA gets done. I have a set that the city used to use that has rams that extends 2 aluminum paddles out with shoring between them to act like a mobile mini trench box and it gets used alot.

frank_f15 · Dec 19, 2003

i live in n.y and that article was in our local paper, and i wonder how could that happen? i mean if u are that close, don't u think you would switch to shovles? damm some people are dumb. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Junkman · Dec 19, 2003

"there is no accounting for other peoples stupidity!!" Quote PMS

Renze · Dec 21, 2003

Hmm... I think the backhoe operator paniced... how else could this happen ??

By the way, i have worked with an excavator operator, with his experience i would just feel safe if he was going to comb my hair with his 17 ton wheeled Liebherr !!

frank_f15 · Dec 21, 2003

i just wonder what the guys helping and guiding the operator were doing.either way , a shame. feel sorry for the deceased and his family, but also have feelings for the men/ women trying to help. tough thing to live with.