Trenching and Excavation Safety

During March, WorkSafe inspectors will be out on construction sites across Victoria where trenching and excavation work is underway. Site visits will focus on:

Notifying WorkSafe three days before construction excavation work involving a trench (if the excavation depth is more than 1.5 metres)

Underground and overhead assets

Collapse and engulfment controls

Ground conditions

Safe access and egress into trenches

Falls risks (live edges and installing trench shields)

Safe work method statements (SWMS)

Plant, including lifting equipment

Emergency procedures.

In the last decade, 7 workers have died in trenching-related incidents on Victorian construction sites. The risks are real and deadly, which is why trenching safety is critical.

To keep people safe during trenching work, employers and self-employed trades must:

Be properly prepared

Have the right controls in place

Follow OHS rules and regulations.

Check out WorkSafe’s practical guide to trenching safety:

Watch here.

Before you start any trenching work

Make sure you:

Identify hazards and risks associated with construction excavation work

Choose the safest control measures, including preventing ground collapse

Complete a Worksafe excavation notification 3 days before work starts for trenches and shafts over 1.5 meters deep (where no building permit is issued)

Prepare a SWMS for all high-risk construction work (HRCW) before work starts

Develop an emergency procedure regardless of how shallow the excavation is.

HRCW includes:

Trenches or shafts deeper than 1.5 metres

Where someone could fall more than 2 metres

Where a powered mobile plant is operating

Work in a confined space

On or near:

pressurised gas distribution mains or piping

energised electrical installations or services.

Trenching risk controls

To prevent ground collapse during trenching:

Bench or batter trench walls to prevent collapse

Use shoring systems to support the sides

Use trench shields

Keep materials, soil, and plant outside of the zone of influence or more than 500mm away from the trench edge.

To prevent falls:

Extend trench shield at least 900mm above the trench

Fit trench shield systems with an attachable guardrail system before installing

Use fall prevention controls during access/egress

Keep exclusion zones of at least 2 metres around excavation works.

Provide supervision to make sure:

Controls are in place before HRCW starts

Work follows the SWMS

Workers remain in engulfment control measures, including where protection is being progressively installed

The trench and work areas are secured from unauthorised access

Conditions are monitored continuously.

Visit excavation and trenching on the WorkSafe website for more information on safe trenching practice.

Are Your Trenches Safe?

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