I took a few minutes this afternoon to peruse a few web links on the topic of "trench collapse." Having had trench safety training this has been an eye opening reminder of the looming danger out there.

I have read several accounts of supervisors, company owners and even friends being the victims. These guys were being "heroes" -- trying to do what it takes to get the job done. They were protecting others from the dangers of the trench. That, my friends, is a steaming shovel full of b.s.

The only thing these "heroes" were protecting was a check book. Whether it is a handy home owner, or a supervisor, they were either stupidly or ignorantly trying to tackle the job "like a real man." They saved a few hundred bucks alright, about the price of the flowers at their funerals.

My own trench story: I had sold a point repair - 10 feet deep on a sewer lateral. I had included the price of a "can" for my crew to work in. It was a mighty expensive repair and I was rather surprised that the property management company accepted the price. We even had to hire a crane to set it in place because the backhoe didn't have enough reach to set it properly.

While my plumber was repairing the line, the trench sure enough caved in. He heard the dirt hit the can but had no idea that half the depth of the 8' high can was backfilled on one side. After he finished his repair, he climbed out and that was the first time he saw what those of us topside saw. If he had been working on that pipe when the side fell in, he would have been buried in a crouched position under 4 feet of black gumbo.

It took us a while to dig the can free but when I think about the alternative I was glad to do it!! What a happy, non-event that turned out to be!!

Trench safety should be viewed as a cost of sale line item just a much as the price of a backhoe or a peice of pipe. Figure it in to your jobs, use the equipment, make a point of demonstrating your safety. Use your safety savvy as a way to separate yourselves from the unwashed competition.