Trenching & Evacuation

Safety must be a top priority on any construction site, and workers engaged in trenching and  excavation must also take additional precautions to avoid serious injuries and even fatalities. OSHA ranks trenching and excavation among the most dangerous jobs in construction.

Cave-ins pose great risk in trenching and excavating, which without warning and regardless of depth can result in worker fatalities.

Other potential trenching and excavation related incidents include falls, falling loads,

hazardous atmospheres, and incidents involving mobile equipment. 

Proper Planning

Proper planning is important when a ground breaking operation is going to take place.

Many hazards can be eliminated or mitigated properly when identified in the planning stage of digging operations.

Considerations to make include: 

• Protect Yourself

  • Do not enter an unprotected trench! Trenches 5 feet deep or greater require a protective system unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock. 

  • Consider if the trench or excavation is a confined space, and address appropriately. 

• Access and Egress

  • Safe access and agrees to all excavations must be maintained which includes ladders, steps, ramps or other safe means of exit. 

• Best Practices

  • Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.

  • Keep surcharge loads at least 2 feet from trench edges.

  • Know where underground utilities are located.

  • Inspect trenches at the start of each shift.

  • Inspect trenches following a rainstorm.

  • Do not work under raised loads.