Two workers dead after sewer trench collapse

Two workers have now died after a sewer trench collapsed at a subdivision site near Ballarat.

The men were in a trench which was approximately 3.2 metres deep when the incident occurred at about 11 am on Wednesday.

A worker in his 30s died at the scene, while a second worker in his 20s was seriously injured and airlifted to Melbourne. He later died in hospital.

WorkSafe Victoria inspectors and investigators attended the scene and are continuing with their inquiries.

These two deaths bring the number of Victorian workplace fatalities to seven for 2018, which is one more than at the same time last year.

WorkSafe Acting Executive Director Health and Safety Paul Fowler said the incident was a tragic reminder of why it was so important to ensure all necessary safety measures were in place to control the risks of working in and around trenches.

“This incident is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with the family and friends of both men,” Fowler said.

“Trenches are an inherently dangerous work environment. They can and sometimes do collapse with catastrophic consequences, which is why it is so important that employers and contractors ensure that all necessary safety precautions are in place.”

For more information about working in and around trenches, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Matthew Benoit