The man was working in a trench on the campus of the Veterans Administration Medical Center when the dirt started to shift, according to Al.com.
The trench started to cave in, trapping the worker for a brief time.
First responders came to the scene and transported the worker to a local hospital as a precautionary measure.
The worker appeared to not suffer injuries during the collapse.
Here are a few safety tips when it comes to working in trenches:
- Ensure employees who are working in excavations are protected from cave-ins: Use protection systems such as shoring, sloping or excavation boxes. Slope the sides to an angle not steeper than 1 1/2:1 (horizontal to vertical).
- Have a qualified person inspect the excavation, adjacent areas and support systems on an ongoing basis.
- Before digging, call 811 to have a locator mark underground lines, pipes and cables.
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- Train employees to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions.
- Develop a trench emergency action plan that describes rescue and medical duties and make sure all of the employees understand these procedures.
- Do not operate equipment near the trench while employees are in it to prevent vibrating the excavation.
