TrenchSafety ConstructionHazards ExcavationSafety OSHA OSHARegulations

Trench Collapse in Catonsville Kills Two Workers – March 2025 Investigation Underway

*On February 28, 2025, a tragic trench collapse in Catonsville, Maryland, claimed the lives of two young construction workers. Source: The Baltimore Banner*

On February 28, 2025, a tragic trench collapse in Catonsville, Maryland, claimed the lives of two young construction workers. The two men were reinforcing a retaining wall inside an 8-foot-deep trench when the structure gave way, trapping them under the weight of collapsed soil and debris.

Rescue efforts by Baltimore County, Baltimore City, and Howard County fire departments involved nearly 60 personnel and lasted over seven hours. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, both workers were pronounced dead upon recovery. The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) has launched an investigation, expected to conclude by August, to determine the causes and potential safety violations that led to this fatal accident.

The Hidden Dangers of Trench Work

Trench collapses are among the most hazardous risks in construction. Just one cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a car, making any structural failure catastrophic for workers inside. OSHA regulations mandate protective systems—such as trench boxes or sloping—for trenches deeper than 5 feet, yet accidents continue to occur due to lax enforcement, rushed schedules, or inadequate safety planning.

So far in 2025, six construction workers have already died in trench collapses across the U.S., highlighting a pressing need for stricter safety regulations, better training, and increased oversight. Workplace safety advocates argue that no worker should ever die in a trench collapse if proper protocols are followed.

Preventing Future Tragedies: Enforcing Safety Compliance

The Catonsville incident is a tragic yet preventable event that underscores the urgent need for comprehensive trench safety measures. Employers must:

✅ Conduct thorough soil assessments before excavation.

✅ Use trench boxes, shoring, or proper sloping to prevent collapses.

✅ Provide workers with trench safety training and emergency response drills.

✅ Ensure regular OSHA inspections to enforce compliance.

As the MOSH investigation unfolds, the industry must take proactive steps to prevent similar tragedies. Worker safety should never be compromised, and strict enforcement of trench safety regulations must become a top priority to protect lives on construction sites.

The following video contains more information regarding the tragic incidence.