Dig Deep into Staying Safe

June is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safety when working in trenches and excavations. Spearheaded by the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), Trench Safety Month culminates in a week-long Trench Safety Stand Down (TSSD) – a concentrated effort to educate workers and employers about the ever-present hazards of trench work and how to mitigate them. Trench collapses are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Recognizing this grim reality, NUCA launched the TSSD initiative in 2016. Partnering with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), they have strived to make trench safety a top priority for all involved in excavation work.

The TSSD week focuses on providing comprehensive training on various aspects of trench safety. This includes recognizing and addressing common hazards like cave-ins, falling objects, and exposure to underground utilities.

Trench Safety: A Shared Responsibility

The onus of trench safety lies on both employers and workers. Employers must ensure that all excavation projects adhere to strict safety protocols outlined by OSHA. This includes:

• Sloping or shoring: Depending on the soil conditions and depth of the trench, employers must choose between sloping the trench walls or installing shoring systems to prevent cave-ins.
• Spoil piles: Excavated soil should be piled a safe distance away from the trench edge to minimize the risk of collapse.
• Inspections: Daily inspections by a competent person are crucial to identify and address any potential hazards before work commences.
• Safe entry and exit: Proper ladders or stairways should be provided for safe entry and exit from trenches.
• Atmospheric testing: If working in deep trenches, oxygen levels and the presence of harmful gases must be monitored.

Worker Awareness: The Bedrock of Safety

While employers have the primary responsibility, worker awareness is equally important. Here’s how workers can stay safe in trenches:

• Understanding the plan: Before starting work, workers should be thoroughly briefed on the specific safety protocols for the excavation project.
• Inspecting the trench: Workers have the right to refuse to enter an unsafe trench. They should be vigilant and report any potential hazards to the supervisor immediately.
• Wearing proper PPE: Wearing hard hats, safety glasses, sturdy boots, and high-visibility vests is essential for worker protection.
• Maintaining a safe distance: Workers should not stand or work too close to the trench edge.
• Staying alert: Being aware of surroundings and any changes in soil conditions is crucial for timely action should a problem arise.

Beyond June: A Year-Round Commitment

While Trench Safety Month serves as a powerful reminder, safety should be a year-round commitment for everyone involved in excavation work. Employers must invest in ongoing safety training and provide workers with the necessary resources to work safely. Workers, on the other hand, should actively participate in safety briefings, voice concerns, and follow established protocols meticulously.

By working together and prioritizing safety, we can significantly reduce the number of trench-related accidents and create a safer working environment for everyone involved in excavation projects.