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Excavation and Trenching Safety

Excavation and trenching work is performed thousands of times daily, in all types of conditions. Unfortunately, many fatalities and work-related injuries are associated with excavation and trenching incidents. Cave-ins can occur suddenly, without warning, giving you little time to react. But their signs are present when proper safety precautions are not taken. This program has been created to increase your awareness and provide you with a better understanding of the safety procedures associated with your work. Ideal learners are employees who work in or near excavations and trenches.

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Learning Objectives

List the hazards associated with excavation and trenching work.
Discuss soil mechanics and identify conditions that increase the chance of cave-in.
Describe the role and responsibilities of the Competent Person.

State four soil types.
Describe four different types of protection systems.
Discuss safety precautions and emergency response.

Course Outline

1. Introduction
1. Welcome
2. About This Training Program
3. Why You’re Here Today
4. Learning Objectives
5. Knowledge Check: This Training Course
2. Definitions and Requirements
1. Definitions
2. Remember the Risks
3. Mechanics of Soil
4. Collapse
5. Conditions that Increase Chance of Cave-in
6. Competent Person
7. Knowledge Check: Risk of Cave-In
8. Knowledge Check: Competent Person
9. Specific Excavation Requirements
10. Remove or Support Surface Objects
3. Utilities
1. Underground Utilities
2. What Can Happen?
3. Some Examples
4. Knowledge Check: Utilities
4. Excavation Risks
1. Getting In and Out of the Excavation
2. Knowledge Check: Points of Access and Egress
3. Hazardous Breathing Conditions
4. Water Accumulation
5. Protection from Loose Rock or Soil
6. Knowledge Check: Soil or Spill Piles
7. Fall Protection

5. Soil
1. Common Soil Classifications
2. Knowledge Check: Soil Classification 1
3. Knowledge Check: Soil Classification 2
4. Knowledge Check: Soil Classification 3
5. Knowledge Check: Soil Classification 4
6. Staying Safe
1. Sloping and Benching
2. Shoring and Shielding
3. Learning Activity: Sloping Type A Soil
4. Learning Activity: Sloping Type B Soil
5. Learning Activity: Sloping Type C Soil
6. Shielding (Trench Boxes)
7. Liability Exposure
8. Rescue Operations
9. Work Safely
7. Conclusion
1. Summary