Last Updated on March 5, 2025 by tanya

Greatest Risks At Excavations

 

What To Do Next If You Are Injured

 

An excavation site has potential for various accidents and here are some of the greatest risks at excavations. Whether you’re digging trenches, handling unstable materials or working with heavy machinery, something could go wrong. Safety should always be a top priority in a workplace, but accidents can happen.

Sometimes such accidents may be caused by employer negligence. If you, or someone you know, has been injured on an excavation site, you may be entitled to claim for compensation. At First Personal Injury, we can guide you regarding the claims process. We partner with highly experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

 

The Biggest Risks at Excavation Sites

 

Working in an excavation zone means dealing with hazards every day. Here are some of the greatest risks at excavations:

Trench Collapses

Trench collapses, or cave-ins, are one of the deadliest risks in excavation work. If a trench isn’t properly supported, the walls can cave in. A devastating consequence may see workers buried under tons of soil in a matter of seconds. The weight of the soil makes it almost impossible to escape without help, leading to severe harm.

Falls and Falling Objects

Working in and around deep excavations means a high risk of falls. If proper barriers and safety measures not adhered to, workers may fall into trenches and suffer serious injuries. On top of that, tools, rocks, or construction materials can fall from above, causing head injuries or fractures.

Exposure to Hazardous Substances

Excavation work can sometimes uncover toxic materials like asbestos, lead, or even dangerous gases trapped underground. Without the right protective equipment, workers may be affected and suffer from respiratory issues, chemical burns.

Heavy Machinery Accidents

Typically, excavation sites rely on heavy machinery like diggers, bulldozers, and cranes. If these aren’t operated properly or maintained well, they can lead to accidents. This can lead to workers being struck, run over, or crushed between machines and structures.

Flooding and Water Accidents

Excavation work often involves digging near water sources. This may see trenches quickly filling up with water. If proper drainage isn’t in place, workers can be placed at risk of drowning or being swept away in flash floods.

Electrocution and Utility Strikes

In some instances, excavation workers may accidentally dig into underground power lines, gas pipes, or water mains. Hitting a live electrical cable can lead to severe burns, electric shock, or even explosions if gas is involved.

 

Common Injuries in Excavation Accidents

 

Due to the number of high-level hazards at excavations, you can suffer from different serious injuries, including:

 

• Crush injuries – If a trench collapses or heavy materials fall on you, it can cause life-altering injuries.

 

• Broken bones – Falls, machinery accidents, or heavy objects landing on you can easily result in fractures or broken bones.

 

• Head and brain injuries – A hard fall or being struck by equipment can lead to concussions or traumatic brain injuries.

 

• Spinal injuries – Falls from heights or heavy impacts can damage the spine, which has the potential to lead to paralysis.

 

• Burns and respiratory damage – Exposure to hazardous chemicals, electrical burns, or fires can cause painful injuries.

 

• Drowning or hypothermia – If a trench fills with water or workers are exposed to extreme cold, they can be exposed to life-threatening conditions and potential harm.

 

Make a Personal Injury Claim

 

Employers have a legal duty to ensure the safety of their workers. If they fail to do so and you get injured as a result, you may have a case for a personal injury claim. Factors which should be considered include whether you had proper training, and were you provided with essential safety gear.

Another red flag is whether working conditions were unsafe, as well as checking if health and safety regulations were being strictly followed. Defective machinery or equipment and proper maintenance may also play a role in workplace accidents.

It is essential that you report the accident and ensure it is in the official accident log. Medical records are also key evidence, as are getting photos of unsafe conditions and your injury. Compensation commonly covers your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.Take a look at our Compensation Calculator.

 

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury and are seeking compensation, it’s important to seek legal advice and understand your rights. First Personal Injury is here to help you navigate the claims process and we work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call our friendly team on 0333 358 2345 or contact us online.