Trenching - AIS Safety Tool Box Talk

In just the first half of 2022, 22 workers suffered fatal injuries due to the deadly hazards present in trenching work, surpassing 15 in all of 2021.

Cave-ins are the primary hazard of trenching. One cubic yard of soil weighs as much as a car, or 3,000 pounds!

---

5 Key Trenching Safety Tips:

• Ensure there’s a safe way to enter and exit
  
• Ensure trenches have cave-in protection
  
• Look for standing water and test for atmospheric hazards
  
• Keep materials away from the edge of the trench
  
• Never enter a trench unless it has been properly inspected by a competent person

Protective Systems: Trenching and excavation operations require protective systems and inspections before workers can enter, such as sloping, benching, shoring, shielding, and supporting the sides of the excavation.

Safety Hazards to Consider:

• Cave-ins, Soil classification
• Traffic
• Nearby structures
• Surface and ground water
• Location of the water table
• Overhead and underground utilities
• Weather
• Fall protection needs
• Ladders and other equipment

Trenching Standards: Protective systems are required on trenches deeper than 5ft. Soil and other materials must be kept at least 2ft from the edge.