Group 1

EXCAVATIO
N SAFETY
CE 307-
COSH
 Group 1

Introduction

EXCAVATIO
N
Refers to the process of digging, removing earth or
creating a cavity in the ground

WHY IS SAFETY
IMPORTANT?
Excavations are among the most hazardous construction
operations involving risks like cave-ins, falls, and hazardous
atmospheres
 Shoring 1.Support is required for excavations over 1
Timberi m deep, with specific exceptions.
&
ng
2. Materials should be kept one-third Minimu
Berm
the excavation's depth from the edge m
Tools,
Material 3. Tools must be 1 m from the edge; vehicles
Machine
s should stay at least one-third the depth away.

4. Barricades of at least 1 m high are

Provisio ry
for
n
required for excavations deeper than 2 Barricad 5. Excavations over 1 m must have access
Means
m. es Access routes and ladders every 16.6 m, extending
of
Escape
& above the excavation.
6. Excavations over 2 m must be Inspecti
&
inspected daily. on
of
Examinatio
Excavation
n Supervisi
and
7. Timbering must be supervised and
on
of Timberingconstructed with safe materials.
execution
8. Ventilation is required if harmful
Harmful Dust,
substances are present; engine exhaust Gases &
Fumes 9. Specific timber dimensions are required
must be managed Sizes
Spacing based on soil type and excavation depth for
and
OSH STANDARDS Member support.
of
2019
Rul ED.Constructi on
e 1410 s
 Group 1

WHAT YOU
NEED TO DO
The law says you must prevent danger to the workers in or
near excavations. To maintain the required precautions, a
competent person must expect excavation supports or
battering at the start of the working shift and at other
specified times.

Commercial clients must provide a certain information to the

contractors before work begins. This should include relevant
information on:
ground conditions

underground structures or water courses

the location of existing services

 Group 1

Importance
of

EXCAVATION
SAFETY
Worker Protection
Prioritizing safety safeguards workers
from potential hazards reducing
Project Effi ciency
Safety
workflow
protocols ensure
minimizing
seamless
disruptions

injuries and fatalities caused by accidents and delays

Compliance and Liability Reputation and Public

Adhering to safety regulations A strong safety culture enhances a
Image
mitigates legal risks and financial company’s reputation and builds trust
penalties with stakeholders
 Group 1

COMMON EXCAVATION
HAZARDS
CAVE - INS
FALLING
OBJECTS
STRUCK- BY
HAZARDS
EXPOSURE TO
HAZARDS

Materials, Workers can be Workers may be

Unstable soil can
equipment or debris struck by moving exposed to
collapse, trapping
workers and causing
can fall from above, vehicles or Commercial
hazardous
posing a risk to equipment, causing materials, such as
serious injuries Building
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workers below injuries or fatalities gases, chemicals, or
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fumes
UNDERGROUN WATER
at ipsum vitae lacus lobortis

D UTILITIES ACCUMULATIO
lacinia. Donec tristique arcu
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Accidental contact feugiat non.
Flooding or muddy
with electrical lines conditions can
or gas pipelines cause instability
 Group 1

Hazard
Identifi cation

AND RISK
Identify
ASSESSMENTAssess Implement
Hazards Risks Controls
Thoroughly identify Evaluate the likelihood and Develop and implement
potential hazards severity of each hazard, effective control measures to
associated with the determining the level of risk it mitigate identified risks and

excavation, such as cave- presents to workers protect workers

ins , falls, and struck by

hazards
 Group 1
Regulatory

REQUIREMENTS AND GUID

Provides comprehensive guidelines for excavation safety, including requirements
OCCUPATIONAL for protective systems, inspections and training .
SAFETY AND HEALTH Overview of OSHA guidelines for excavation safety:
ADMINISTRATION
Trenches 5 feet or deeper require protective systems

Daily inspections by a competent person

ENVIRONMENTAL Set standards for handling hazardous materials and environmental protection
PROTECTION
during excavation projects
AGENCY

LOCAL AUTHORITIES May have additional regulations specific to the geographic location of the
 Group 1

PROTECTIVE
SYSTEMS
Shori ng
-supports the sides of the excavation to prevent
cave- ins, typically using timber or steel

Sl opi ng
-cutting the trench wall back at an angle inclined
away from the excavation

Benc hi ng
-creating horizontal platforms within the excavation,
providing stable workng areas and reducing the
overall depth.
SITE PREPARATION &
PLANNING
SITE ASSESSMENT
-Evaluate the soil conditions, existing utilities, and potential hazards before
excavation
PROTECTIVE SYSTEM
DESIGN
-Develop a plan for protective systems based on the excavation depth and soil
conditions
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE PLAN channels and procedurs for handling emergncies
-Establish clear communication

TRANING AND
COMMUNICATION
-Ensure all workers are adequately trained on excavation safety procedures
 Group 1
Soil Classifi cation
&

SOIL
MECHANICS SOIL
CLASSIFICATION
Understanding soil types (e.g., clay, sand, gravel) is crucial
for determining the stability of the excavation

SOIL
MECHANICS
Soil mechanics principles help asses soil strength,
drainage and the potential for soil movement.

EXCAVATION
DESIGN
Accurate soil datainforms the protective systems and
ensures stability during excavation
 Group 1
Protective Equipment &

TOOLS
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE SAFETY EQUIPMENT
EMERGENCY EQUIPM
EQUIPMENT
Hard hats First Aid Kit
Ladders
Safety Glasses
Shoring Systems Communication Devic
Gloves Excavation Supports Emergency
Safety Boots
Rescue
High visibility vests
Equipment
Monitoring and Group 1

INSPECTION
PROCEDURES
Regular Inspections
-Inspect the excavation site daily for signs of instability, damage to
protective systems, or other hazards

Soil Stability Monitoring

-Monitor the soil conditions for any changes in stability, such as
cracking, bulging, or movement.

Protective System
-Ensure that the protective systems, such as shoring, are properly
Integrity
installed and maintained.

Weather Conditions
-Be aware of weather conditions that could affect soil stability or
create hazardous conditions
 Group 1

Best Practices
for

EXCAVATION
SAFETY Training and Awareness
• regular safety training for workers

Training and Awareness

• clear communication of risks and protocols

Training and Awareness

• reducing the risk of cave- ins due to ground weight
 Conclusions and Group 1

KEY
TAKEAWAYS
Hazard Awareness Employee Training Thorough Planning
Recognize potential Educate workers on Proper planning site
hazards and implement excavation safety procedures preparation are essential for
appropriate safety and best practices site excavation
measures

Maintain open communication

channels for reporting hazards and
concerns.
Group 1

THANK
YOU
FORSEE YOU
NEXT

ATTENTION