Excavation and trenching work continues to be dangerous. Each year in the United States dozens of workers die in trench and excavation cave‑ins, and many more are seriously injured. When the side of a trench moves, it often happens suddenly, leaving workers little or no time to react. Good planning and protective systems are key to preventing these losses.

PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS

• Evaluation of shoring, sloping, or other protective systems to prevent cave-ins must be performed before work begins. This evaluation must be conducted by a trained person knowledgeable in soil analysis, protective system use, and applicable standards and regulations. Without proper pre-job planning, project foremen may be tempted to “make do” to get the job done, which can put workers in serious danger. These pre-job procedures must be followed regardless of project duration or because the ground “looks solid.”

• Work in an excavation or trench must always be under the immediate supervision of a qualified person.

• Excavated material must be placed at least 2 feet from the edge of any trench or excavation.

• Precautions must be taken to ensure that vibrating equipment and vehicular traffic do not cause a cave-in.

• Groundwater seepage should always be considered as a potential cause of collapse in any trench or excavation.

• Safe access and egress must be provided using a stairway, ladder, ramp, or other means. The equipment must be securely fastened in place. Access must be located so that no worker has to travel more than 25 feet laterally to reach the exit in any trench or excavation deeper than four feet.

• There are specific standards for materials used for shoring and for the angles of slopes required to protect workers. Any trench five feet or more in depth must have a protective system.

If you are not certain that the shoring, benching, or sloping is adequate, stay out of the excavation. Entering an unprotected trench or excavation can be fatal.