Every year, construction crews face life-threatening risks as they work in unstable soil conditions during excavation projects. Trench collapses remain one of the leading causes of fatalities on jobsites — often occurring without warning and in just seconds. In such high-risk environments, reliable trench safety systems aren’t just helpful — they’re essential.

That’s where Kundel Industries steps in. Known for their innovative engineering and deep commitment to jobsite safety, Kundel has redefined what it means to protect workers underground. From smarter shoring panels to robust modular trench boxes, their technology is reshaping how contractors approach excavation protection.

In this article, we’ll explore how Kundel’s groundbreaking trench safety systems are saving lives, boosting productivity, and setting new standards for the construction industry.

The Life-or-Death Importance of Trench Safety

Why the Ground Beneath Matters

Working in a trench is one of the most dangerous tasks on any construction site. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a single cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a small car — and when a trench collapses, it leaves workers with almost no time to react. In fact, OSHA reports that dozens of workers die each year due to trench collapses, often in preventable circumstances.

Despite stricter safety regulations, many contractors still rely on outdated or improvised shoring systems. Budget constraints, tight project timelines, and a lack of proper training all contribute to unsafe jobsite conditions. In some cases, even companies that want to follow OSHA’s trench safety standards are stuck using heavy, inefficient equipment that slows down operations and puts crews at risk.

That’s why Kundel Industries decided to take a different approach.

By designing trench safety systems that are not only OSHA-compliant but also easier to use, lighter to transport, and faster to deploy, Kundel set out to eliminate the common barriers that prevent crews from working safely underground. Their systems are built with the realities of the jobsite in mind — and it’s changing how contractors think about trench protection.

Kundel’s Core Innovation Philosophy

From Machine Shop to Market Leader

Key Points to Cover

• Start with a short origin story:
  • Robert Kundel Sr. wasn’t a big tech CEO.
  • He was a machinist and inventor who saw a problem on real jobsites: unsafe trenches and clunky gear that no one wanted to use.
  • So, he built something better — right in his own shop.
• Why it mattered
  • Most trench systems were either too heavy, too hard to use, or just didn’t meet safety needs.
  • Contractors were left choosing between speed and safety.
• What made Kundel different
  • He didn’t just make another box — he reimagined the whole system.
  • His designs focused on:
    • Light but durable materials
    • Easy assembly
    • Faster setup on-site
  • Every detail was designed with the worker in mind.
• Proof of innovation mindset
  • Kundel holds patents on multiple safety systems
  • Products like ShoreLite and Titan series aren’t just names — they’re tested, refined tools used across the U.S.
• Verified Fact: Kundel’s shoring products are engineered to meet or exceed OSHA trench safety standards.
• Expert Insight: Mention how listening to contractors led to smarter features (e.g., faster slide rails, modular panels).
• Real Example: A mid-sized contractor in Ohio reduced setup time by 40% after switching to Kundel’s ShoreLite system.

Kundel’s Core Innovation Philosophy

From Machine Shop to Market Leader

Before Kundel became a national name in trench safety, it was just one man in a garage with a vision.

Robert Kundel Sr., a machinist and inventor from Ohio, didn’t start out trying to change an industry — he was simply solving a problem. On jobsites, he kept seeing dangerous trenches, heavy equipment no one wanted to lift, and safety gear that slowed everyone down. He thought: there has to be a better way.

So, he built it.

With hands-on experience and a deep understanding of jobsite needs, Robert created his first trench box with one goal: make it safer and easier for workers in the field. He wasn’t building for big corporations — he was building for people like himself.

What started as a family-run operation quickly grew, but it never lost its core. Today, Kundel Industries remains a family-owned business that still puts the worker first. Every design comes from the contractor’s point of view — what helps crews move faster, stay safe, and avoid costly delays.

From a small machine shop to a nationally recognized innovator, Kundel’s story is rooted in invention, grit, and purpose. Their success isn’t just in selling trench boxes — it’s in helping people go home safe every day.

Learn more about their story here: About Kundel Inventions

What Makes Kundel’s Shoring Systems Different?

Safety Engineered into Every Panel

Contractors don’t just need equipment — they need confidence in the ground beneath them. That’s where Kundel’s trench systems stand apart.

While other trench boxes are heavy, slow to set up, and hard to maneuver, Kundel’s systems are built with three priorities:

• Modular design – easy to transport and configure
• Lightweight materials – reduces fatigue, increases speed
• Fast deployment – saves labor hours and lowers risk

Take the ShoreLite Series, for example. Designed for utility crews and municipalities, it’s one of the lightest trench protection systems on the market — and it still meets OSHA compliance.

Then there’s the Titan Series, built for deeper trenches and heavier loads. It’s made from high-strength steel but designed with balance and durability in mind.

Need flexibility? The V-Panel system adjusts to fit the trench, keeping your crew protected even when the walls aren’t straight.

All Kundel systems are tested under real jobsite conditions and refined based on contractor feedback. From materials to mechanics, every feature exists for one reason: to keep your team safe without slowing you down.

Key Phrases Used Naturally:

• trench box systems
• lightweight shoring
• OSHA-compliant trench equipment
• modular shoring systems
• aluminum trench box

Real-World Impact on the Jobsite

From Theory to Trench

It’s one thing to design smart safety systems — it’s another to see them work in the dirt.

Case Example: Utility Contractor in Pennsylvania A mid-size utility contractor needed a safer, faster trench solution for a water main project in mixed soil conditions. Traditional trench boxes took too long to deploy and required extra crew just to position.

By switching to Kundel’s ShoreLite modular system, the contractor:

• Cut setup time by 40%
• Reduced the number of laborers in the trench
• Increased compliance confidence with every inspection
• Finished 3 days ahead of schedule

Testimonial "We’ve used other trench boxes, but Kundel’s design is lighter and smarter. It kept my crew moving — and safe." — Mark S., General Foreman, Municipal Water Project

These results aren’t unique.

Kundel systems are used daily across industries that demand high reliability and fast deployment, including:

• Municipal water & sewer departments
• Fiber optic and telecom contractors
• Oil & gas pipeline crews
• General contractors working in tight urban zones

Safety officers, engineers, and PMs consistently report fewer delays, fewer near-misses, and better crew morale after making the switch.

Tech Meets Trench – Kundel’s Smart Safety Future

Innovation Doesn’t Stop at Steel

Kundel isn’t just shaping metal — they’re shaping the future of jobsite safety.

While most trench systems stop at the box, Kundel is investing in next-generation solutions that integrate technology with trench safety.

Emerging Innovations

• Sensor Integration Real-time ground movement sensors to detect trench wall shifts — alerting crews before danger hits.
• IoT Connectivity Remote monitoring tools that connect boxes to project dashboards, offering insights into usage, compliance, and deployment speed.
• Crane System Compatibility Kundel’s overhead crane systems (also manufactured in-house) help crews lift panels, move materials, and reduce manual strain — all within a tightly managed safety zone.
• Automation & Setup Aids Simple rigging aids, fast-locking pins, and hydraulic assist options are helping crews deploy faster while staying OSHA-compliant.

How Kundel Sets the Gold Standard in Trench Safety

Trusted by Pros Across the U.S.

What sets Kundel apart isn’t just innovation — it’s trust built over time.

Each shoring system is built with precision manufacturing, tested under pressure, and backed by decades of jobsite experience. Unlike many mass-produced boxes, Kundel’s trench systems are made in the USA, with tight quality control and field-tested durability.

Contractors choose Kundel because:

• Their products last longer under heavy use
• Support teams know construction — not just product manuals
• Parts and add-ons are always available, fast

Kundel doesn’t just meet OSHA trench box standards — they exceed them. Their systems are designed to protect lives, reduce liability, and keep projects moving even under tough site conditions.

They also offer training materials and contractor education, helping field crews understand how to use trench safety gear the right way. Whether it’s a municipal sewer project or a high-speed telecom line, Kundel gear gives contractors peace of mind that their crews are protected.

Final Thoughts – A Safer Future Starts with Smarter Shoring

Every Crew Deserves the Best Protection

Construction will always be tough work. But protecting lives in the trench shouldn’t be.

Kundel Industries has proven that when you build equipment that crews actually want to use, safety becomes second nature — not an afterthought. With smarter engineering, better materials, and a clear focus on real-world use, Kundel’s trench safety systems are changing how America builds below ground.

If you’re a contractor, engineer, or safety officer looking for trench systems that protect your team and your timeline — it’s time to look at Kundel.Explore Kundel Inventions and see how smarter trench systems can keep your crew safe and your project on schedule.