Trenching and excavation incidents are preventable tragedies on construction sites and, sometimes, overlooking even the smallest of safety protocols can cause them. This article dives into the importance of trench safety and practical steps to keep workers protected.
THE DEADLY CONSEQUENCES OF A TRENCH COLLAPSE
A cubic yard of soil weighs about the same as a car. Given that, it’s not a stretch to imagine the deadly consequences of a trench collapsing on workers. Injuries and deaths resulting from trench collapses—not to mention trench falls, equipment hazards and even suffocation from gases—are all too common.
The tragic deaths of 39 trench and excavation workers in the U.S. in 2022 spurred the Occupational Safety and Health Administration into action. To combat this alarming rise in fatalities, OSHA implemented a multi-pronged approach, intensifying onsite inspections, while some states enacted stricter legislation with steeper fines for employers who violated mandatory safety protocols. This combined effort aimed to prevent future tragedies by promoting a culture of safety in the workplace.
SAFETY STARTS AT THE BEGINNING
A strong safety culture begins with understanding OSHA guidelines and training for workers so they operate safely in the trenches. Here are some key strategies for keeping crews safe:
- Provide a precise inspection: Before anyone enters a trench, have someone knowledgeable about OSHA safety and soil types inspect it. This inspection should be repeated throughout the day, especially given the fact that weather, moisture and vibrations from construction activities can impact trench stability.
- Provide safe entry and exit: Accessible entry and exit points are crucial for emergencies and are required for trenches exceeding four feet deep. Construction best practices call for these even at 19 inches or deeper. Ladders should extend at least three feet above the trench wall and be placed within a trench box (if used) and no further than 25 feet from worker access points.
- Prevent cave-ins with protective systems: Trenches deeper than five feet require protective systems. When exceeding 20 feet, a registered engineer should design the system. Here’s a breakdown of OSHA’s three main options for preventing cave-ins:
Slope it: This involves strategically angling the trench walls to prevent cave-ins. The angle depends on the specific soil type.
Shore it: Metal plates and hydraulic jacks are used to support the trench walls and prevent cave-ins. Installation goes from top-down and removal from bottom-up.
Shield it: Trench boxes don’t prevent cave-ins, but they protect workers if one occurs. Ensure workers enter and exit the trench only from within the box.
- Maintain a safe trench environment: Standing water and environmental hazards like gas pose serious threats. Always keep materials at a safe distance from trench edges.
Use this OSHA Quick Card for reference daily.
SAFETY PAYS OFF IN NUMEROUS WAYS
Investing in safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your most valuable asset—your workforce. A healthy crew keeps projects on schedule and avoids costly disruptions.
The skilled worker shortage is real, with Associated Builders and Contractors estimating a need for more than half a million additional construction workers this year alone. With a potentially less experienced workforce, a strong focus on safety becomes even more critical, especially considering that first-year employees account for more than 25% of workplace injuries.
Prioritizing worker safety in trenches not only protects your employees, but it can also lead to lower workers’ compensation costs over time. This creates a win-win for both worker wellbeing and your business’ health.
In today’s competitive labor market, a reputation for prioritizing worker safety can also benefit your company by boosting morale and productivity. In today’s technological and social media world, word travels fast, and potential hires will notice if your company consistently demonstrates a commitment to safety.
BUILDING RESILIENCE THROUGH PROACTIVE SAFETY
You’ve invested time and effort into building your business and workforce. Now it’s time to protect both. Trenching and excavation are essential parts of construction projects, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of worker safety. By prioritizing proper inspections, using protective systems and implementing safe entry/exit procedures, you ensure everyone goes home safely each day.
A PLACE TO START, NOT THE FINISH LINE
Consider these tips a starting point, not a replacement for a comprehensive safety plan. Maintain open communication with your team, insurer and local safety experts.
OSHA offers onsite consultations, and many resources are available to help. Your insurer may offer a safety services team that can visit your construction sites to assess risks and assist with safety training. Don’t hesitate to leverage your insurer’s expertise. By working together, you can identify potential hazards, address safety gaps and secure the right protections for your business. When safety is a priority, you position yourself for a productive and safe construction season.
