Rescuers' heroic efforts could not save worker By Leslie Boyd
Donald DeHart had been working for Carolina Sewer & Drain of Fletcher, in a ditch about 12 feet deep and 3 or 4 feet wide.
The site appeared to be in violation of state OSHA standards, said Walker and OSHA investigators on the scene. Regulations say any trench deeper than 4 feet must be shored up on its sides or sloped to reduce the danger of collapse.
It also must have ramps, runways or other safe methods of access and egress, said Juan Santos, spokesman for the N.C. Department of Labor. The state Occupational Safety and Health Administration is part of DOL.