OSHA Investates Fatal Trench Collapse

Two men died as a result of injuries sustained while digging a trench for a French drain pipe in Bontoon, New Jersey earlier this month.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) say Bednar Landscape Services employees Oscar Portillo, 46, and Selvin Zelaya, 39, and two other workers were digging a 10-foot deep trench when the walls suddenly caved in, trapping the men. Portillo and Zelaya became stuck and were unable to escape. A third worker was injured and a fourth managed to escape without harm.

The two men who escaped immediately called 911 for assistance, at which point dozens of fire trucks and ambulances arrived on the scene. News agencies report that fire and rescue workers from as far away as Newark and Elizabeth responded. Unfortunately, however, they were unable to rescue Portillo and Zelaya from the collapsed trench.

OSHA Spokesperson Lenore Uddyback-Fortson declined to comment on the details since it's an active and open investigation. However, Uddyback-Fortson noted that a cave-in disasters such as this are "completely preventable," and that Bednar Landscape Services must follow all rules and regulations required when digging a trench. This includes having a knowledgeable person with experience on trenching hazards at the site at all times. It's unknown at this time whether or not a worker who meets this description was around at the time of the incident.

"This employer does not have (an) OSHA history," said OSHA Spokesperson Lenore Uddyback-Fortson. "While I cannot comment on the specifics of this case because it is an open investigation, generally speaking, trenching deaths caused by cave-ins are completely preventable if employers follow OSHA's excavation standards and provide protective systems. Fifty-six workers died in trenching incidents in 2011-2013, and it's unacceptable that they still occur."

OSHA's standards currently require all trenches that measure four feet or deeper to have ladders, ramps and stairs as a means for employees to quickly exit the area in the event of a collapse. If a worker notices the sides of a trench caving in, he or she can quickly escape via a side ladder or stairs.

OSHA also requires non-stone trenches that measure five feet or deeper to have "protective systems." This may include trench boxes, hydraulic support systems, or other protective measures which shield workers from a collapse. OSHA and the local Bontoon Township police are investigating the incident to determine whether or not these systems were in place at the time of the incident.