On July 22, 2022, a trench collapse in Vernon, Connecticut, tragically took the life of a 56-year-old worker, Dennis Slater. The 8-foot-deep trench, which had collapsed twice before on the same day, was being dug to install piping for a housing development. Botticello Inc., the Manchester-based construction company responsible for the project, now faces grave consequences for their negligence in ensuring the safety of their workers.
Dennis Botticello, the 67-year-old owner of Botticello Inc., and equipment operator Glen Locke, 65, were both arrested and charged with first-degree manslaughter and reckless endangerment. Both were held on a $50,000 bail pending court hearings. The tragedy could have been prevented if the company had used the legally required safeguards, including trench boxes and a ladder within 25 feet of the workers. However, these crucial safety measures were absent at the worksite.
In January, a federal investigation revealed that Connecticut contractor Botticello Inc.’s failure to provide legally required safeguards and ensure their implementation led to the death of a worker on July 22, 2022, when an 8-foot-deep trench collapsed at a residential construction site in Vernon. OSHA inspectors found that Botticello Inc. had exposed the worker to deadly hazards and had previously committed four serious violations related to trenching work in 2015. OSHA Area Director Dale Varney stated that the company was aware of the dangers and the necessary precautions but chose to ignore them, resulting in the tragic loss of life. As a result, Botticello Inc. was cited for three willful violations and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommended $375,000 in penalties for the safety violations connected to the collapse. OSHA’s investigation found that Botticello Inc. had exposed their worker to deadly hazards while connecting drainage piping at the residential construction site. In November 2015, OSHA inspectors had identified four serious violations related to trenching work by Botticello Inc. at another worksite in Stafford.
The trench collapse and subsequent death of the worker should have never happened, especially considering the company’s previous run-ins with OSHA. Botticello Inc. was aware of the dangers of working in an unprotected trench and the need to inspect the trench and ensure effective cave-in protection was in place before any employee entered. Despite this knowledge, the company chose to ignore the required safeguards, leaving a worker’s family, friends, and co-workers to grieve.
OSHA’s investigation determined that Botticello Inc. failed to provide the trench with a protective system to prevent it from collapsing and caving in on workers. The company also failed to have a competent person conduct inspections before and during the work to identify and correct any hazardous conditions before employees entered the trench. Additionally, they did not ensure the 135-foot-long trench contained sufficient means of egress to allow employees to safely exit.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to trench safety regulations. Trench collapses are among the most fatal hazards in the construction industry, with one cubic yard of soil weighing as much as 3,000 pounds – the weight of a subcompact car. Trench collapses can happen in seconds, leaving little time for workers to react and escape.
Federal trenching safety standards require protective systems for trenches deeper than 5 feet, and that soil and other materials be kept at least 2 feet from the trench’s edge. Trenches must also be inspected by a knowledgeable person, be free of standing water and atmospheric hazards, and have a safe means of entry and exit before a worker may enter.
OSHA’s National Emphasis Program aims to alert employers and workers of the dangers of trench collapses and hold violators accountable. The agency encourages anyone who sees workers in an unsafe trench to help save lives by reporting the hazardous situation to OSHA.
The tragic loss of life in this case highlights the importance of companies prioritizing workplace safety and adhering to all regulations and guidelines, especially in high-risk environments like trenches. Employers must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring worker safety.
OSHA’s trenching and excavation webpage provides additional information on trenching hazards and solutions, including a safety video.
Despite the inherent dangers in construction work, with so many workplace fatalities in the US involving construction workers, the risks can be substantially reduced through proper education and training. In particular, trench work fatalities can be more than halved by implementing safe work practices and adhering to OSHA regulations. This is where our “Trenching and Shoring Safety in Construction Environments” training comes in, providing employees with the essential knowledge they need to stay safe on the job.
Our comprehensive training program covers a range of critical topics, such as the hazards of trenching, the role of the competent person and worksite inspection, soil types and protective systems, ongoing inspection and testing, access, egress, setback, and equipment, and defensive working strategies. With our Micro-Learning and full-length online courses, as well as DVDs and interactive CD courses, we offer a diverse and engaging learning experience. Our course materials are available in English and Spanish, ensuring that employees can fully understand the crucial safety measures needed in the field of trenching and shoring.
By investing in our “Trenching and Shoring Safety in Construction Environments” training, you can help prevent countless injuries and save lives in the workplace. Equip your employees with the knowledge and skills to navigate the hazards of trenching work and ensure a safer, more productive work environment for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to create a culture of safety in your organization; sign up for our training program today!
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