Gainesboro Alderman Wants Safety Equipment And Training For Line Workers

Gainesboro Alderman Travis Agee is recommending that the city gets up to date with OSHA requirements.

Agee said he wants all water line workers to complete a 10 hour training program for trench and excavation safety.

“We don’t have anything, and a lot of our lines are three foot or deeper,” Agee said. “We’re already pushing the limits, and I think it is unsafe. Anybody would. It is happening more and more everyday. A trench caving in on someone working.”

Agee said he would like to see at least one worker complete the 30-hour certification to decrease liability. Agee said he also recommends the city to work with the county to purchase or rent a trench box for workers. Agee said the equipment keeps ditches from collapsing.

“Per OSHA standards, anybody working in a pipe ditch at a certain depth is required to have a trench box if you can’t get the sides of the trench laid back on a three to one slope,” Agee said. “In a city street, it is hard to do, because you are trying to tear up as least as possible.”

Agee said that prices and training options will be on next month’s agenda for consideration. Agee said he plans to talk to the county utility district before then to work out a plan if interested.

“I think there is a need for it and we need to get something in place,” Agee said. “Renting is an option and is probably our best option.”