OSHA Emphasizes Trenching & Excavation

OSHA recently updated the National Emphasis Program on preventing trenching and excavation collapses in response to a recent spike in trenching fatalities.

OSHA recently cited a Missouri excavating company for allowing two employees to work in an unprotected trench while installing sewer pipe.

The company now faces proposed penalties of over $189 thousand dollars.

OSHA inspectors determined that the company:

• failed to use benching, sloping, shoring, or other protective systems to prevent a trench collapse;
• conduct regular inspections of the jobsite;
• adequately train workers to recognize and avoid unsafe trench conditions;
• ensure a safe means for exiting the excavation;
• and ensure that excavated materials were kept at least 2 feet from the trench edge.

Employers performing excavation work must develop and implement safety procedures to properly protect their employees from cave-ins, and train crews to recognize and evaluate hazards.

If you’re needing guidance on your excavation program don’t hesitate to call us here at CORE Safety.

Click here to download our free Trench & Excavation Safety Poster.