Trench collapses have killed hundreds of workers in the U.S. over the last decade

[WmChris]

2. Compliance is necessary

Having worked as union employee for a large regional utility ( gas & electric ) both in the field and as a safety officer for the local union, I know how difficult the fight was to get folks to use shoring. We fought with the company to put the necessary equipment in specific trailers instead of scattered around in various tool rooms. Once that battle was won and the equipment was readily available and accessible. The workers viewed using it as too much trouble. I and others spent many frustrating hours trying to explain OSHA was our friend. We were paid by the hour, and if a job took an extra few hours to be safer for those in the hole, it was not only safer but also paid better. Eventually, most saw the sense not being buried alive, but it took years.