Excavation and trenching are amongst the most dangerous operations in the construction industry. Dangers include cave-ins, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres, and hazards from using heavy equipment. Every year 1,000 work related injuries can be attributed to trench and excavation incidents.
Performing regular pre-job inspections can reduce hazards and serious risk of injury. These inspections should check for the type of excavation being dug, type of support and warning systems in place, access areas, weather conditions, heavy equipment being used, and PPE.
Ensure all safety measures are followed when working in or around excavations. Planning our work is the biggest tool we have in protecting our teams; let’s ensure we understand the requirements and protective systems we use and have a plan before we start excavation activities.