April 2, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Partners with Safety Professionals and Industry
To Raise Awareness of Hazards during Trench Safety Day Event in Ohio

WARREN, OH – To raise awareness about the hazards in the trenching and excavation industry, including potentially deadly trench collapses, U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) representatives will participate in Trenching Safety Day on April 3, 2019, in Warren, Ohio.

Trenching Safety Day seeks to educate employers and employees on safe cave-in prevention solutions, and decrease the number of trench collapses. Workers are seriously and fatally injured each year from trench collapses, often because the trenches are improperly sloped, shored or shielded. The event will feature presentations on soil mechanics, shoring equipment, and trench safety regulations.

The Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (BWC) Division of Safety and Hygiene, Youngstown Service Office and the Northern Ohio Chapter, American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) are hosting the event.

WHAT:

Trenching Safety Day

WHERE:

Avalon Inn and Spa
9519 E. Market St.
Warren, OH 44484

WHEN:

April 3, 2019
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EDT

Register online at https://nohio.assp.org/events/spring-pdc/.

OSHA recently updated the National Emphasis Program on preventing trenching and excavation collapses, and developed a series of compliance assistance resources to help keep workers safe from these hazards. The Agency’s trenching and excavation webpage provides additional information on trenching hazards and solutions. The site includes a trenching operations QuickCard that provides information on protecting workers around trenches, and OSHA’s “Protect Workers in Trenches” poster that provides a quick reminder of the three ways to prevent dangerous trench collapses.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for American working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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Media Contacts:

Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, allen.scott@dol.gov
Rhonda Burke, 312-353-6976, burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Release Number: 19-502-CHI

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).