Employers must ensure that any worker who enters a bellbottom pier hole or similar deep and confined footing excavation wears a harness with a lifeline. The lifeline must be attached securely to the harness and must be separate from any line used to handle materials. Also, the lifeline must be individually attended by an observer […]

The following are some points to consider in a trenching and excavation checklist. Each circumstance will be different, so be sure to adapt the questions to suit your situation. Underground/Utility Services Know the contact numbers? Located, identified and informed respective parties? Grounded, isolated, de-energized, or protected from unplanned release? Housekeeping Excavated material, pipes etc. are […]

Type C soil cannot be benched. Appendix B does not permit an employer to bench a type C soil excavation. Therefore, it is not safe to cut steps into a slope of type C soil because the soil’s lack of cohesion is likely to cause the steps to crumble when an employee steps on them. […]

Trenches 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep or greater require a protective system unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock. Trenches 20 feet (6.1 meters) deep or greater require that the protective system be de-signed by a registered professional engineer or be based on tabulated data prepared and/ or approved by a registered professional […]

Trench collapses and cave-ins are a serious threat to workers, but they can be prevented. OSHA reminds employers that worker safety is a priority, and the agency has resources available to protect workers. The following safe work practices will help keep trenches safe for workers: PREPARE a safe trench Provide safe entry and exit before […]