Trenching and Excavations are among the most hazardous operations in the construction industry and many workers are fatally injured year after year.
The key to preventing workers from becoming injured or deceased on the excavation is to ensure that a competent person has been designated to oversee the excavation. A competent person must be able to identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are dangerous to employees, and that person must have the authority to stop work and take prompt corrective measures to eliminate those hazards.
Under the Excavation standards set forth by OSHA, the competent person must conduct no less than daily site inspections BEFORE employees enter the excavation or trench. The inspection should include tasks such as, but not limited to:
· Monitoring weather conditions and identifying hazardous soil conditions such as moisture content, cracks, fissures, bulges.
· Monitoring water removal equipment when in use.
· Placement of spoil piles which must be no closer than two feet from the edge of the trench or excavation.
· Identify encumbrances such as building, structures or mobile equipment that places additional weight near the excavation.
· Knowing when and what protective systems to use such as trench boxes or aluminum shoring to include their safe placement and removal.
· Inspect protective systems to ensure they remain serviceable and properly installed through-out the excavation.
· Make sure ladders and/or ramps are within 25 feet of all employees while in the excavation or trench.
· Ensure that workers remain within the protective systems while working.
No matter how many excavations an employer has completed in the past, it is important to conduct a hazard assessment for each new job and always maintain safe work conditions.
For more information on Trenching & Excavations, or any other safety question or concerns, please contact PGM Safety Services, an affiliate company of Pro Group Management. We will be happy to assist when you visit us at www.pgmnv.com or call (800) 859-3177.