Show
While trenches and excavations are essential for many construction processes, they also present potential hazards for workers. In the 2010s, about 20 workers died from trench-related accidents each year. Trenches are challenging to access, and they face the risk of collapse. They might also contain hazardous atmospheric conditions. Understand more common trenching and excavating dangers to prepare for them properly. Trenching and Excavation HazardsTrenching excavations allow construction workers to access underground areas. They might use trenches to lay utility lines or shape the foundation for a new building. Before workers can begin the excavation process, professionals must thoroughly inspect the area for potential dangers. After employers enact the correct protective measures, workers can start working underground. Even after thorough inspections of the surrounding area, excavations can present many risks to employees. The soil overhead can weigh almost as much as a car. Potential collapses or falls might lead to suffocation or death. It’s important to be aware of trenching and excavation hazards so employees can avoid accidents. Here are common hazards of trench and excavation jobs. 1. Collapses or Cave-insCave-ins are among the most dangerous hazards for trench workers. During a cave-in, the walls collapse inward and the trench fails. The soil might bury, suffocate or otherwise injure workers. Workers could develop brain damage from suffocation or break limbs. Collapses are also excavation hazards that pose the greatest threat to workers’ lives. These are common reasons for trench collapse:
Collapses threaten the lives of workers and undermine entire excavation projects. It’s essential to take precautions for cave-ins before beginning trench work. OSHA recommends sloping trench walls, shielding them with trench boxes or shoring them to reinforce their stability. 2. Hazardous AirAnother example of trenching and excavation dangers is hazardous air. Oxygen deficiencies and toxic air conditions are common below ground. Exposure to dangerous toxins might cause respiratory issues or diseases, so they present a serious danger to workers. During daily inspections, supervisors should ensure air conditions are suitable for workers before they begin work. If they detect a hazardous substance or poor air quality, they should halt work until they can solve the issue. OSHA also instructs supervisors to provide workers with proper ventilation and respiratory tools. Here are some examples of hazardous air conditions:
According to OSHA, supervisors should test atmospheres in trenches and excavations deeper than 4 feet. If oxygen levels are less than 19.5%, OSHA considers that Immediately Dangerous To Life or Health (IDLH). 3. Hitting Utility LinesAll trenches face the risk of striking underground utility lines. Before construction, engineers are responsible for detecting all nearby utility lines, but there’s always the possibility of missing one. If workers hit one of these lines or uncover a line that isn’t insulated properly, the outcome could be dangerous. Damaging municipal lines is both harmful to residents’ well-being and expensive to repair. Here are examples of utility lines and the dangers they pose:
Before starting excavation, supervisors should contact local utility suppliers to see the specific locations of all the existing utility lines. Instruct workers to report any lines they discover while excavating or trenching. 4. Falling MaterialsMany trenching materials on-site present a hazard to workers. Construction equipment like dump trucks or ramps are heavy and potentially dangerous for workers. If materials or equipment sit too close to the edge of the trench, they could fall into the excavation. These are some dangers that could occur because of falling materials:
Do not allow workers to be in the trench or excavation area if other workers are using digging or lifting equipment to handle loads above. Supervisors should also ensure workers stand away from equipment being unloaded or loaded because of the threat of falling materials. Contact NASP for Trenching and Excavation Safety TrainingAt the National Association of Safety Professionals, we understand the importance of recognizing trench hazards. Our mission is to provide safety professionals with innovative and thorough training on OSHA standards and more. We separate ourselves with our unique training that emphasizes dynamic learning for adults. Learn more about our trenching and excavation safety training opportunities. Our safety course prepares you for trenchwork hazards and how to navigate them safely. The lessons address potential risks at trench sites and how to best manage them for the safety of your team. Contact us today with any questions about our safety training courses. Purchase Our Excavation Safety Training Course What of the following ways to avoid excavation hazards?Per OSHA's Trenching and Excavation Construction eTool, here are four ways to avoid excavation hazards:. Use Protective Systems. All excavations are hazardous because they are inherently unstable. ... . Inspect Trench & Protective Systems. ... . Safe Spoil Placements. ... . Provide Safe Access/Egress.. Which of the following precautions should be taken at an excavation site?Avoid work in rainy season. The nail should not be lying around, after the completion of layout work. Barricade the site to restrict the entry of animal and the unauthorised person on site. Ensure that workers are wearing personal protective equipment.
What is the most common hazard during an excavation?Probably the most common hazard at any work site is the threat of cave-in. A cave-in occurs when walls of an excavation collapse. Cave-ins can be deadly. Wall failures often occur suddenly, with little or no time for the worker to react.
What are the rules for careful excavation?How is Excavation Done Safely?. Inspect trenches daily before work begins. ... . Check weather conditions before work, be mindful of rain and storms.. Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.. Be mindful of the location of utilities underground.. Always wear proper protective equipment.. Don't work beneath raised loads.. |