Excavation & Trenching Safety

To maintain a safe site for all construction workers, it’s important for excavator operators to follow best practices before, during, and after excavation. Before Operation The operator should read, understand, and follow the operator’s manual. Consult the manual to determine maximum allowable slope for safe operation. Wear appropriate PPE as required by the task being […]

Excavation and trenching are among the most hazardous construction operations. Below outlines common excavation hazards & control measures that can protect workers from cave-ins and other hazards. What are the dangers of trenching and excavation operations? Trenching and excavation work presents serious hazards to all workers involved. Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are more […]

Employers should take the following site worker safety steps to protect workers from injury while working with excavators or backhoe loaders. Site Workers Train site workers to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions and to follow required safe work practices that apply to their work environments. Make all workers on the site aware of the machines’ […]

Employers should take the following site set-up safety steps to protect workers from injury while working with excavators or backhoe loaders. Site Set-Up Contact local utilities and other responsible parties to locate overhead and underground utility lines before beginning work. Avoid working near overhead power lines. If you must work near them, develop a plan […]

Download OSHA’s ‘Protect Workers in Trenches’ poster: Prevent trench collapses and save lives: SLOPE or bench trench walls, SHORE trench walls with supports, or SHIELD trench walls with trench boxes. At Ron Meyer & Associate Excavating, Inc, we’ve been providing underground and commercial construction to private and commercial businesses for 39 years. As the general contractor or […]

Employers must ensure that a competent person inspects all excavations, adjacent areas, and protective systems daily for possible cave-ins, indications of failures in protective systems and equipment, hazardous atmospheres, and other hazardous conditions. Inspections must be done prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections are also required after natural […]