Excavation and Trenching Safety

Far too many incidents result from inadequate planning. You should learn as much as possible about the jobsite and the materials needed to perform the work safely and in compliance with OSHA standards.
Here are some planning measures employers should consider:
• Determine what type of protective system(s) and safety equipment will be needed for the job and ensure it is ready before work starts.
• Different soil types require different protective systems so evaluating the soil to determine stability is necessary.
• Consider preparing a job layout to identify safe locations away from trenches for spoil piles and heavy equipment paths.
• Identify all hazards including atmospheric hazards – low oxygen or hazardous fumes at or greater than 4 feet.
For employees, there are 5 main safety precautions you can take prior to starting work in a trench:
• Ensure you have a safe entry and exit point
• Check that the trench has cave-in protection
• Confirm heavy materials and equipment are not too close to the edge of the trench
• Look for standing water and be cautious of environmental hazards like snow, rain, wind, etc.
• Never enter a trench unless it has been inspected first by a competent person

General Trenching and Excavation Rules
• Ensure the excavation or trench is protected properly. (Speak with competent person prior to entry)
• Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.
• Keep surcharge/spoils loads at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) from trench edges.
• Know where underground utilities are located.
• Test for low oxygen, hazardous fumes, and toxic gases.
• Inspect excavations/trenches at the start of each shift.
• Inspect excavations/ trenches following a rainstorm.
• Do not work under raised loads.
• Use a ladder to access areas greater than 4 foot in depth or when comfort level cannot access area safely.
• Ladders cannot be further than 25 feet from any employee in an excavation to ensure safe egress out of the area.

“IF IT’S NOT SAFE, STOP…DO IT THE SAFE WAY.”