Toolbox Talk: Trenching & Excavation Safety

Why it matters

A cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a car. Trench cave-ins kill workers quickly, and most deaths happen in trenches that were not protected.

Talking points

• Protective system: trenches 5 feet or deeper need sloping, shoring or a trench box, unless the walls are solid rock.
• Competent person: someone trained to spot hazards inspects the trench daily and after rain or other changes.
• Spoil and equipment back: keep soil piles, tools and equipment at least 2 feet from the edge.
• Safe way out: trenches 4 feet or deeper need a ladder, ramp or stairs within 25 feet of workers.
• Water and air: don't work in standing water, and test the air in deeper trenches if gases may be present.
• Call before you dig: have underground utilities located first, and never enter a trench that hasn't been inspected.

Ask the crew

1. How deep is the trench, and what is protecting us?
2. Who is the competent person, and when did they inspect?
3. Where is our way out, and what is near the edge?

Before we start work today: Have the competent person inspect the trench before anyone goes in.

Who attended

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Source: OSHA: Trenching and excavation. General safety information only, not legal advice; follow your employer’s program, the manufacturer’s instructions and current regulations. Keep signed sheets with your safety records. FirstDayTraining.com · Todd Allyn Media Inc.