Worker Killed by Collapsing Wall in Massachusetts

Feb. 12, 2024

A trench dug around the building exposed the foundation.

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A worker waterproofing a concrete foundation was killed when a portion of the wall collapsed into the trench in which he was working. The incident occurred in Hanson, Massachusetts. Published reports identified the man as Gerceir Osvaldo DeFaria, 51.

A WCVB news report from the scene shows a Cat mini excavator from Milton Rents parked nearby and water in the trench dug around the house’s foundation. The structure appears to have been jacked up, and the concrete was lying in the trench. Reports said emergency crews had to stabilized the house before they were able to recover DeFaria’s body.

OSHA is investigating.

About the Author

Rod Sutton

Sutton has served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment magazine and ConstructionEquipment.com since 2001.

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