Trench collapse kills man

An investigation is being carried out after a trench collapsed on a Gloucestershire building site, killing a man.

According to the BBC, the 27-year-old surveyor was working at the site in Brimscombe Lane, Stroud on Friday (5 Sep) when the trench he was working on gave way. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have said that they are not yet certain why the trench collapsed, and are carrying out an investigation into the incident. The HSE has further been informed.

Inspector Dave Evans, from Stroud Police, said that the worker had been carrying out some testing in the trench, which had already been dug, when the wall collapsed. He cautioned that it was not “at this time” possible to relate the event directly to the heavy rain occurring at the time.

Although the cause of the incident has not yet been established, this case does reinforce the importance for similar companies whose workers enter confined spaces to carry out adequate risk assessments.

A confined space is usually substantially – though not always entirely – enclosed. Serious injury in such areas can occur not only from hazardous substances within the space or nearby area but from conditions, such as a lack of oxygen.

It has been observed that a large number of people who die in such conditions are attempting to rescue colleagues, highlighting the need for adequate training and equipment.

Operatives inside confined spaces must be able to communicate with those outside, and there must be correct supervision: checks should be carried out at each stage, and it is advisable that there is a second individual present at all times.

Procedures for emergency and rescue must be suitable and sufficient and in place before any person enters a confined space.

More in-depth information about the control of working in confined spaces can be found in the HSE report Safe Work in Confined Spaces, available here >>