Quality Integrated Services | Safety | Excavation and Trenching

Excavation And Trenching: Construction Safety

There are several hazards that could arise if the proper safety precautions are not used in trenching and excavation.

First of all, we must define the difference between a trench and an excavation. An excavation is any man-made cut, trench or depression in an earth surface that is formed by earth removal. A trench is a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth is greater than the width, but the width of a trench (measured at the bottom) is not greater than 15 feet.

Here are some precautions that can be taken to avoid accidents at the worksite regarding excavation and trenches :

Do not place spoil piles, equipment, or other items too close to the excavation or trench. This could cause the excavation to collapse causing injury
Be aware of weather conditions. Changing weather conditions can change the integrity of the excavation. This could be caused by water or moisture weakening the walls of the excavation
Vibrations from nearby could also cause a cave in. Every precaution should be taken to avoid allowing vibrations near the excavation
Do not shovel or move soil from the bottom of the trench. This could cause soil from the ground level to collapse as the support from below is removed

The following are some of the tools you can use to prevent a collapse :

Always use an escape ramp, stairway or ladder to prevent being trapped
Use a trench box or some sort of shoring to reinforce the walls of the excavation
Pay close attention to the type of soils that are being excavated. Certain loose soils can collapse faster and easier than compacted soils

Some quotes taken from 'Excavation and Trenching: Construction Safety' by the National Safety Council.

All Information for this safety page provided by the National Safety Council from the Excavation and Trenching: Construction Safety copyright 2000.