12 Jan Trenching & Shoring Safety

One of the most dangerous forms of construction work is the excavation labor involved with trenching and shoring.

Thousands of employees are injured each year performing this type of work, and hundreds are killed. In fact, the fatality rate for trenching is twice that of deaths incurred from other forms of construction.

The reason for this high mortality rate is the danger involved with cave-ins while on the job. Cave-ins can result from many shifts in the earth that occur during the trenching and shoring process. For example:

• The addition or removal of water
• Vibrations from the excavation
• Added or reduced weight of soil or adjacent structures
• Reduction in frictional forces
• Any amount of freezing or thawing

Once these cave-ins occur, death can result instantly or workers can become trapped and be severely injured or suffer from asphyxiation.

As a result of these risks, it is vital that proper safety precautions be taken before proceeding with a trenching and shoring endeavor.

Before You Begin

To start with, the work site must be evaluated for potential hazards, known hazards must be reduced or removed, and utility locations must be properly marked. Furthermore, the leads on the project should set times for periodic inspection intervals and establish emergency procedures.

Ongoing Safety Requirements

Throughout your trenching and shoring project it is vital that you ensure:

• Employees wear proper protective equipment
• Inspections are conducted prior to each work shift
• All spoilage is at least two feet from trench edges
• Employees do not travel under elevated loads
• And there are trench exits within 25 feet of workers who are in trenches more than 4 feet deep

Be Aware of Your Environment

It is also important to be aware of all the different external factors (aside from the terrain itself) that could pose danger to your employees, such as:

• Foot and vehicle traffic in the area, likes cars and pedestrians
• Surface hindrances, like telephone posts, fencing, and electrical boxes
• Underground installations, like utility lines
• Hazardous atmospheres, like areas that are flammable or oxygen deficient

Protect Your Workers Today

Trenching and shoring is dangerous work, but Creation World Safety has the employee safety training courses to help prepare your workers/work site and minimize the risks involved. To speak with one of our team members or schedule an employee safety training course or corporate safety training course, contact us today. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of you and your employees.