This happened this morning in my area. The guy air lifted to the hospital is the owner. He is a masonary contractor trying to set up a campground. My father-in-law is the OSHA inspector......I'll find out the scoop tomorrow. http://www.timesleader.com/news/Trench-collapse-in-Salem-Township.html
I hate to see stuff like that happen. If employers would just take the time to set up these jobs properly...this wouldn't happen. Very sad..
We just had one not to far from here a couple weeks ago. Yet again, no shoring, no topman to watch the banks. Stupidity kills!
Not sure about other parts of the world but in Oz there OHS laws in place regarding trenches. From memory it's about 4 or 5 feet before you have to shore up the trench, or excavate the shoulders off. However this is not going to stop some weekend warrior with a back hoe to do the wrong thing.
Yes, here in the US we have quite an extensive procedure mandated by OSHA for trenching, sloping and shoring. If you have some time, take a look at the regulations - http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_v/otm_v_2.html I agree, all the best rules and procedures written in this world will not replace common sense and experience on the jobsite.