Construction Site Trench Collapse Kills Worker

Case Overview

This case involves a worker fatality during an excavation project. A career employee of a plumbing company was working to lay a pipe at a condominium construction site. The employee was working in a trench about 8 feet deep when the sides of the trench suddenly collapsed. The employee’s crew members attempted to dig him out of the trench but the process took 13 minutes. The employee suffocated to death. Although it had been raining on the day of the incident, no protective gear or cage was used to secure the trench prior to the accident. An expert in construction and contracting was sought to review this matter and determine if safety protocols were adequately adhered to.

Questions to the Real Estate expert and their responses

Do you have homebuilding construction experience?

I have spent 30+ years as a general contractor and my experience covers all aspects of the construction process, including excavation safety issues.

Have you worked as a general contractor?

I have spent 30+ years as a general contractor.

Could you describe the responsibilities to subcontractors and the general public on a work site?

As a 30-year general contractor, I am also currently a site safety inspector and trainer for a large midwestern developer that has been constructing numerous projects in the area over the last 2 years.

About the expert

This general contracting expert has extensive background providing plan reviews, permitting, code compliance, and sales assistance for developers and homeowners. Currently, he runs a general contracting and construction consulting business, based in South Florida. He completed his degree in Business Management at Barry University and went on to serve as a Superintendent and Director of Construction & Sales with Green-Kroll Corporation. The expert is a certified General Contractor and a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in the state of Florida. He is also a Court Qualified Expert Witness in several Florida counties.