Page 24 - PCCA Journal 1st Quarter 2012

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PCCA Journal|1
st
Quarter 2012
24
SafetyWatch
U
nprotected trenches continue to be one of
the most dangerous hazards in construction
sites, especially in underground utility con-
struction. Since 2003 well over 200 workers
have died in cave-ins, and hundreds more
have been seriously injured. With a little knowledge and
proactive effort, we can eliminate the risks of working in and
around trenches.
According to the OSHA construction safety and health
standards, a trench is a narrow excavation made below the
surface of the ground in which the depth is greater than the
width—the width not exceeding 15 feet. An excavation is any
man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth’s
surface formed by earth removal. This can include excava-
tions for anything from cellars to highways.
Below are a few basic rules for working in a trench or
excavation.
Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.
Identify other sources that might affect trench stability.
Keep excavated soil (spoils) and other materials at least 2
feet from trench edges.
Know where underground utilities are located before dig-
ging.
Test for atmospheric hazards such as low oxygen, hazard-
ous fumes, and toxic gases when greater than 4-feet deep.
Inspect trenches at the start of each shift.
Inspect trenches following a rainstorm or other water intru-
sion.
Do not work under suspended or raised loads and materi-
als.
Inspect trenches after any occurrence that could have
changed conditions in the trench.
Ensure that personnel wear high-visibility or other suitable
clothing when exposed to vehicular traffic.
Competent Person Required
We also must remember that OSHA states that every trench
needs to be inspected daily by a “competent person.” OSHA’s
definition of a competent person is an individual who is ca-
pable of identifying existing and predictable hazards or work-
ing conditions that are hazardous, unsanitary, or dangerous
to workers, soil types, and protective systems required, and
who is authorized to take prompt corrective measures to
eliminate these hazards and conditions.
The information we have covered is just a starting point for
trench and excavation safety. Employers and employees en-
gaged in trench and excavation work should seek out formal
classes on the subject.
Phillip Metcalf is the safety director for Trawick Construction
(A Quanta Services Company), an award-winning infrastruc-
ture contractor with projects across the United States.
Trench and Excavation Safety
By Phillip Metcalf
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