A WorkSafe investigation is underway into a trench collapse in the Auckland suburb of Meadowbank this afternoon.

One person was seriously injured and another received moderate injuries at the site on Rutherford Terrace.

“It is far too early to determine what went wrong here. Our investigation is in its very early stages and the specifics will become clearer with time,” says WorkSafe’s investigation manager, Danielle Henry.

“Excavation failures are particularly dangerous because they can occur quickly, limiting the ability of workers to escape, especially if the collapse is extensive.”

Anyone digging such a trench should be aware of the possibility of collapse and should take proper precautions. These include:

  • Seeking a geotechnical assessment of the site to check soil stability as part of scoping and planning works
  • Shoring, benching, or battering back dirt to prevent collapse. Do not assume ground will stand unsupported.
  • Ensuring safe access to get in and out of a trench
  • Barriers strong enough to not collapse if people or materials fall against them
  • Check the excavation each day before starting work and after any event that may affect its stability.

Read more about excavation safety

Read about a trench collapse case sentenced earlier this year

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