A victim had apparently been spreading crushed rock in a seven feet deep (2.1 meters) by 53-inch (135-centimeter) wide trench.

The victim was working 20 feet (about six meters) outside of the trench box. The near vertical east wall of the trench failed and covered the victim with soil. The weight of the soil crushed the victim.

• Do you have trench rescue procedures, including emergency rescue equipment and a plan to assure the safety of anyone involved in rescue?
• Has safe egress from excavations been assured by ladders or other means?
• Are your work procedures set up to encourage workers to stay inside the trench box?