Rapid City hosts trench safety sessions looking to cut down on excavation accidents [Video]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an average of 21 people die each year from trench cave-ins. To try to prevent this, the Rapid City Trenching Board and Public Works Department offered trench safety training sessions to help keep people safe.

The Rapid City Trenching Board in partnership with the Public Works Department held two trench safety training sessions Tuesday to help educate construction workers and contractors around the Black Hills. Among the topics discussed were potential hazards associated with trenching and excavation, soil classifications, and different industry practices all aimed at keeping workers safe. Safety trainer Kyle DeLucero said these sessions are important so people are aware that all trench deaths are preventable.

“So it’s a big focal point to get people educated on the subject. That with the hazards that are out there to our construction workers and it’s really important that we bring those numbers down. Trench deaths don’t need to happen. …