Trench Cave-In Emergencies

When a trench collapses on a coworker, the natural reaction is to jump in and dig. Many would-be rescuers have died in a second collapse. Here’s what to do instead.

• Construction
• Utilities

Why cave-ins kill

• A cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a car. Even being buried to the waist can squeeze the chest so hard the person can’t breathe.
• Collapses happen with almost no warning, faster than anyone can climb out.
• Buried muscles can release toxins when the pressure comes off (crush syndrome), so rescued victims need hospital care even if they seem OK.
• Soil that has already failed once is much more likely to fail again.

If a trench collapses

1. Call 911 immediately. Say “trench collapse with a person buried” so they send a technical rescue team.
2. Don’t jump in. The walls are now even less stable. Secondary collapses are common.
3. Stop all equipment nearby to reduce vibration. Don’t use an excavator to dig the person out.
4. Keep people back from the trench edge. Their weight can cause another collapse.
5. If the victim’s head is exposed, talk to them and reassure them. If it can be done from a protected position (inside a trench box), clear soil from around their face and chest.
6. Have someone meet the fire department and lead them to the site. Have information ready: depth, soil, utilities, how long the person has been buried.
7. Shut off utilities that may be affected, if it’s safe.

Plan before you dig

Not every fire department has a trained trench rescue team, and the nearest one may be far away. Before work starts:

• Find out which agency handles trench rescue in your area and how long they’d take to arrive
• Post the site address and the nearest cross streets where everyone can see them
• Make sure phones work at the site, or have a radio plan
• Know where utility shutoffs are
• Keep extra trench boxes, shoring and plywood on site if possible; rescuers may need them
• Where hazardous atmospheres are possible, keep rescue equipment (breathing apparatus, harness and line, basket stretcher) on site and attended

After an incident

• The employer must report a work-related death to OSHA within 8 hours, and an in-patient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye within 24 hours. See Recordkeeping & Reporting.
• Don’t disturb the scene more than needed for rescue.
• Witnesses and coworkers may be deeply affected. Offer support and counseling. See Mental Health & Suicide Prevention.

Last updated: October 1, 2026