Excavation Safety
March 3, 2003

Excavation has always been recognized as one of the most hazardous construction activities. Cave-ins continue to be the major cause of accidents involving trenching and excavation operations. In addition to cave-ins, there are other hazards against which employees must be protected during excavation-related work. These include, but are not limited to, the following:


Falls and Equipment

Employees must be protected from falls, falling loads and equipment. All material and equipment must be kept a minimum of 2 feet from the edge of the excavation.

Warning systems must be provided to alert operators of heavy equipment of the edge of the excavation.

Employees must be prohibited from working on faces of benched or sloped excavation above other employees. In addition, employees must not be permitted to work under loads being lifted by the digging equipment.

Water Accumulation

The OSHA standard prohibits employees from working in excavations where water has accumulated unless adequate precaution has been taken. If water removal equipment is being used to control or prevent water from accumulating, this equipment and the operation of the equipment must be monitored by a competent person. A competent person must re-inspect all excavations after heavy rainfall.

Hazardous Atmospheres

Under the standard, a competent person must test excavations greater than 4 feet in depth before employees can enter the excavation. If hazardous conditions exist, controls such as ventilation and/or the use of proper respiratory protection must be provided. In addition, the employer must ensure that emergency rescue equipment is readily available.

Access and Egress

Safe access to and egress from all excavations must be provided. When employees are required to be in excavations of 4 feet or more, adequate means of exit must be provided. This can be accomplished through the use of ladders, ramps, or steps. Areas of exits must be provided and within 25 feet of lateral travel.

Strict compliance with the OSHA Excavation standard will help prevent the risk of cave-ins as well as other excavation-related accidents.

Lovell Safety reminds you that we are offering a free excavation and trenching safety seminar during the month of March. If you would like to attend, please call your local area representative or the Lovell Safety Office at 212-709-8600.

Michael Jandzinski, Western New York Safety and Health Representative

If you have any questions on this or any other safety issue, please call your local area representative or the Lovell Safety Office at 212.709.8600.