Little Rock, AR — A construction worker was injured when a trench collapsed in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Friday, August 21, 2015. The accident took place on Rahling Road, just north of Pebble Beach Drive.
It appears as if the victim was part of a crew installing storm drains. The trench the man was working in was about nine feet deep. Dirt and rocks caved in, falling on top of the man and causing him serious injury.
Following the accident, the man was taken to Baptist Health Medical Center for treatment. His name hasn’t been released.
No one else was hurt in the accident.
Scene of the Accident
View from the Road
Commentary
New reports I’ve read about this accident are calling it a, “hole collapse.” However, I’m not sure there’s anything that would distinguish that from a trench collapse. Accidents like this happen quite often, unfortunately. It seems like there are several construction companies that have wised up to the fact that accidents like this are preventable, and have invested in equipment that helps to prevent them. So, if equipment such as that wasn’t being used here, I have to ask, why not? Look, I don’t think the world is full of malicious foremen out there, all intent on seeing their workers end up in the hospital. But the truth of the matter is, the investment being made in worker safety just isn’t as big as it should be. And that’s a shame. Call me crazy, I understand that some jobs can be dangerous, but I don’t think that construction workers should be forced to put their lives on the line every time they go to work. If steps can be taken to easily prevent an accident, these companies should be taking those steps and making that investment. End of story.
— Grossman Law Offices
