Did you realize that cave-ins and similar accidents are some of the deadliest hazards in the entire construction industry? It’s true – but these kinds of incidents are also entirely preventable with the right attention to OSHA excavation safety standards.
At Barlow Construction, we’re here to help clients around Layton, Centerville, Kaysville, Farmington, Bountiful and nearby parts of northern Utah with all their contractor needs, including rock walls and excavation services for any project. Here is some important information for site supervisors, construction managers and contractors alike on the vital OSHA excavation safety standards that should be considered and maintained during any kind of excavation job, plus on the hidden dangers involved here and how to stay cognizant of them at all times.
Hidden Dangers Found in Excavation
There are a few examples of common hidden dangers associated with excavation work that need to be recognized and properly managed in order to prevent accidents, injuries or even fatalities on the job. Here are some of the most prevalent hazards encountered when digging into the ground:
- Cave-ins: One of the greatest risks associated with excavation work is the potential for a cave-in or collapse of soil or other materials surrounding an excavation site. This can cause serious injuries or death to workers inside the trench.
- Falls: Workers may fall into trenches if proper precautions are not taken, such as installing guardrails and using protective equipment like harnesses and ladders.
- Struck-by accidents: Heavy machinery used for excavation can also pose a threat to workers if they are struck by the equipment or its parts.
- Electrocution: Underground wires and cables can be a hazard during excavation work, especially if they have not been properly marked or identified beforehand.
- Hazardous materials: Excavation work may uncover hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, or chemicals which can cause serious health issues if proper safety measures are not taken.
To ensure the safety of workers on an excavation site, it is important for employers and employees to follow strict safety guidelines and regulations.
OSHA Excavation Safety Standards to Keep in Mind
While this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all OSHA standards, here are some of the most important areas that are covered when it comes to excavation safety:
Differentiating Between Excavation and Trenches
Firstly, for many jobs, it is vital to understand the difference between an excavation and a trench.
An excavation includes any man-made cut, cavity or depression in the ground that has been formed by earth removal. Trenches are also excavations but have a depth greater than its width – usually not exceeding 15 feet.
It is crucial to know this distinction because different safety measures may need to be implemented depending on whether you are working on an excavation or a trench.
Pre Planning
If you’ve established that your project is an excavation, the first set of safety preparations – the pre-planning stage – can begin. This involves identifying potential hazards, assessing site conditions and developing a plan to mitigate risks associated with excavation work.
Before starting any excavation project, it is essential to identify all underground utilities such as gas pipes, electrical lines, water mains, phone lines, etc. Accidentally hitting these utilities can have severe consequences not only for your team but also for the surrounding community.
Once all underground utilities have been identified and marked appropriately, the next step is to assess soil stability. This includes conducting a visual inspection of the excavation site and testing the soil’s composition to determine its strength and ability to support structures or equipment.
Based on this assessment, various protective systems may be implemented to ensure the stability of the excavation site. This can include shoring, which involves using supports such as beams, posts, or planks to prevent soil from collapsing into the excavation, or shoring, which uses hydraulic or mechanical systems to provide support.
Inspection Needs
One of the key elements of excavation safety is regular inspection. Excavation sites must be inspected daily before work begins, and regularly throughout the day to monitor any changes in conditions that may affect worker safety. This includes checking for signs of soil instability, water accumulation, or any damage to protective systems.
In addition to daily inspections, a competent person must also conduct thorough inspections after each rainstorm or other event that could potentially change conditions at the site. These inspections should include an assessment of the site’s stability and the need for additional protective measures.
Workers Rights
For various on-site areas like safety training, personal protective equipment (PPE), lead, and asbestos exposure, workers must have their rights. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers must provide safety training to all workers who are exposed to potential hazards on construction sites. This training should cover topics such as fall protection, hazard communication, and emergency procedures.
Employers must also provide appropriate PPE to employees and ensure that it is used correctly. This includes hard hats, eye and face protection, respiratory protection, hearing protection, and more depending on the specific hazards present at the site. Workers have the right to refuse work if they believe they do not have adequate PPE or if they are not trained properly in its use.
As you can see, there are a number of OSHA excavation safety standards to consider for any excavation job. At Barlow Construction, we’re here to help with rock walls and excavation services around Layton, Centerville, Kaysville, Farmington, Bountiful and nearby areas – contact us today to schedule service!
