Tragically, the recent incident in Redwood, New York resulted in the loss of Mark Holder’s life on April 20. Holder, aged 59, was involved in installing an underground drainage line for a residential construction project overseen by Thirteen Colonies Construction, as reported by local sources. He had been working as a Lead Carpenter for the company since 2014.
Following the collapse of the ditch, fellow workers at the site managed to rescue Holder from the debris and attempted CPR while awaiting emergency responders. Unfortunately, he did not survive his injuries and was declared deceased at Carthage Area Hospital.
Another worker, Shawn King, was also present in the ditch during the collapse but managed to escape without significant harm.
The construction site was situated in Champion, New York, a town in the northern part of the state, near Redwood. Various law enforcement and investigative agencies, including the New York State Police, West Carthage fire and police departments, Carthage Area Rescue, and the Great Bend Fire Department, responded to the scene. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) was also involved, and as of April 25, state police were still investigating the incident.
Mark Holder leaves behind a grieving family, including a spouse, two children, and four grandchildren. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones during this challenging period.
The Risks of Cave-ins and Safety Measures
The tragic event in Redwood highlights the dangers associated with excavation work. According to OSHA, excavations encompass any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the Earth’s surface, including ditches. Trenches, which are deeper than they are wide, often prove to be hazardous work environments. In 2022, a shocking 39 workers lost their lives due to trench collapses.
During a collapse, workers can be swiftly overwhelmed by soil, which weighs approximately 3,000 pounds per cubic yard. NIOSH stresses the importance of not working inside a trench without a protective system in place. OSHA’s guidelines for excavation work emphasize the necessity of trained personnel assessing soil conditions and implementing suitable safeguards. Protective measures like shoring and shielding could have potentially prevented the tragic outcome on April 20, ensuring Mr. Holder’s safety. Investigators will conduct a thorough evaluation of the site, interview witnesses, and determine if proper safety protocols were followed.
Seeking Justice for Construction Accident Victims
Construction accidents are unfortunately common, particularly in New York. Many of these incidents can be prevented by adhering to worksite safety regulations. If you or a family member has been involved in a serious or fatal construction accident, it is crucial to have a skilled and dedicated legal team on your side. Block O’Toole & Murphy is committed to advocating for construction accident victims and their families, delivering exceptional results.
Some notable outcomes for serious construction accidents include:
- A $53,500,000 jury verdict for a construction worker who suffered a fall during an AC unit installation, resulting in paraplegia
- A $15,000,000 settlement for an HVAC technician tragically killed at a Bronx hospital
- A $10,500,000 settlement for a 50-year-old union worker who lost his life during a water installation project
To consult with one of our wrongful death attorneys, contact us at 212-736-5300 or complete our online contact form. We provide legal services in New York and New Jersey.
The post Mark Holder Killed by Ditch Collapse in Champion, NY first appeared on Block O’Toole & Murphy.
Mark Holder Killed by Ditch Collapse in Champion, NY
The Tragic Incident
On a fateful afternoon in Champion, NY, Mark Holder, a construction worker, lost his life due to a ditch collapse at a work site. The incident occurred when Mark was working in a trench, and the walls of the ditch caved in, trapping him underneath the rubble.
Details of the Accident
- The incident took place on August 15, 2021, at around 2:00 PM.
- Emergency services were immediately called to the scene, but sadly, Mark could not be saved.
- An investigation into the incident is currently underway to determine the cause of the trench collapse.
Importance of Safety Measures
Construction sites are inherently dangerous places, with trench collapses posing a significant risk to workers’ safety. It is essential for construction companies to adhere to strict safety regulations and guidelines to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Safety
Here are some practical tips for ensuring safety at construction sites:
- Properly shoring up trenches to prevent collapses
- Regular inspections of trenches for any signs of instability
- Providing workers with proper training on trench safety protocols
- Ensuring all workers have access to adequate safety equipment
Case Studies
Unfortunately, Mark Holder’s death is not an isolated incident. Trench collapses have claimed the lives of several construction workers across the country. These incidents highlight the importance of implementing and enforcing strict safety measures on construction sites.
Firsthand Experience
As someone who has worked in the construction industry for years, I have witnessed firsthand the dangers posed by trench collapses. It is crucial for both employers and workers to prioritize safety above all else to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
Conclusion
The untimely death of Mark Holder serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with working in the construction industry. By learning from this tragic incident and implementing robust safety measures, we can ensure that no more lives are lost due to preventable accidents.
