Trench Safety Stand Down Highlights Ongoing Risks Despite Decline in Fatalities
As fatalities decline, safety advocates urge workers to stay vigilant during Trench Safety Stand Down Week by reviewing life-saving practices like “Trench Safety by the Numbers.”
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Jun 17, 2025
Trenching-related fatalities have declined nationwide in recent years, but safety experts warn that the risk remains deadly and preventable.
As part of Trench Safety Stand Down Week, workers across the country are being reminded to reinforce life-saving habits on the job. One simple action could make all the difference: print and post a copy of “Trench Safety by the Numbers” in your work truck.
Even with progress, one collapse can still take a life in seconds,” said industry safety advocates. “Reminders and visuals matter—especially in high-risk environments like trenching.”
The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) and other organizations are distributing bilingual materials and encouraging employers and crews to take a moment this week to pause and review essential trench safety facts.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.