Introduction

Removal of earth from an earth surface creates instability and therefore risk. It is crucial to minimize such dangers at excavation and trenching worksites. Employers should provide adequate training as well as protective systems, and employees must keep up to date on training materials and report any dangerous situations immediately.

Take note! While proper preparation and structuring is one of the most effective ways to minimize risk in an excavation, it is not enough on its own. Without proper training, employees could fail to notice small imperfections in systems or equipment that could lead to serious complications, including cave-ins. In addition, proper training ensures materials and equipment are maintained and used safely.

To learn more about Trenching and Excavation visit our Trenching and Excavation Safety Online Training web page.