Excavation Contractor Safety Manual

OSHA Excavation & Trenching Requirements

Federal OSHA regulates excavation and trenching work primarily under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P – Excavations.

Subpart P includes requirements addressing:

• Excavations.
• Trenches.
• Underground installations.
• Access and egress.
• Employee exposure to vehicular traffic.
• Falling loads.
• Hazardous atmospheres.
• Water accumulation.
• Adjacent structures.
• Loose rock and soil.
• Inspections.
• Soil classification.
• Sloping and benching.
• Shoring.
• Shielding.
• Protective systems.

Other OSHA construction standards may apply depending on the equipment and activities being performed.

Excavations and Trenches

An excavation is a man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth’s surface formed by earth removal.

A trench is a narrow excavation made below the surface of the ground in which the depth generally is greater than the width and the width at the bottom is not greater than 15 feet.

Because a trench is a type of excavation, an Excavation Contractor Safety Manual should address excavation and trenching together rather than treating them as unrelated hazards.

What Should an Excavation Contractor Safety Manual Include?

Depending on company operations, the manual may address:

• Excavation & Trenching Safety.
• Competent Person responsibilities.
• Pre-excavation planning.
• Underground utility locating.
• Soil classification.
• Cave-in protection.
• Protective systems.
• Sloping.
• Benching.
• Shoring.
• Shielding and trench boxes.
• Access and egress.
• Spoil piles.
• Water accumulation.
• Hazardous atmospheres.
• Adjacent structures.
• Mobile equipment.
• Heavy equipment.
• Equipment inspections.
• Spotters.
• Traffic control.
• Rigging and lifting.
• Confined spaces, when applicable.
• Fall Protection.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Emergency procedures.

The programs included should reflect the contractor’s actual operations and exposures.

Excavation & Trenching Safety Program

The Excavation & Trenching Safety Program should establish responsibilities and procedures for planning, inspecting, and safely performing excavation work.

The program should address:

• Pre-job planning.
• Competent Person designation.
• Utility locating.
• Soil conditions.
• Protective-system selection.
• Equipment placement.
• Access and egress.
• Excavation inspections.
• Changing conditions.
• Employee training.
• Emergency response.

Employees should not enter an excavation until applicable hazards have been evaluated and required controls are in place.

Responsibilities

Management should provide the resources, equipment, training, and supervision necessary for safe excavation operations.

Managers and Supervisors should:

• Plan excavation activities.
• Ensure required utilities are located.
• Assign qualified Competent Persons.
• Provide appropriate protective systems.
• Coordinate heavy equipment operations.
• Ensure employees receive required training.
• Correct unsafe conditions.
• Stop work when necessary.

The Competent Person should perform the duties required by OSHA and company procedures.

Employees should:

• Follow established procedures.
• Use required protective systems.
• Enter and exit excavations only through approved means.
• Remain alert to changing conditions.
• Stay clear of suspended loads and operating equipment.
• Report hazards immediately.
• Leave an excavation when instructed by the Competent Person.

Competent Person

Excavation and trenching work requires an appropriately designated Competent Person.

A Competent Person is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are hazardous, unsanitary, or dangerous to employees and has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.

The Competent Person plays a central role in excavation safety.

Competent Person Responsibilities

Depending on the work, Competent Person responsibilities may include:

• Classifying soil.
• Evaluating cave-in hazards.
• Selecting or verifying protective systems.
• Inspecting excavations.
• Evaluating changing conditions.
• Monitoring water-removal operations.
• Evaluating excavations after rain.
• Identifying hazardous atmospheres.
• Evaluating spoil placement.
• Inspecting protective-system equipment.
• Removing employees from hazardous areas.

The Competent Person must have sufficient knowledge and authority to act when unsafe conditions exist.

Pre-Excavation Planning

Excavation safety begins before soil is disturbed.

Planning should consider:

• Scope of work.
• Excavation dimensions.
• Soil conditions.
• Underground utilities.
• Surface encumbrances.
• Nearby structures.
• Traffic.
• Heavy equipment.
• Spoil placement.
• Protective systems.
• Water conditions.
• Atmospheric hazards.
• Access and egress.
• Fall hazards.
• Emergency procedures.

Conditions should be reevaluated as work progresses.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA/JHA)

A Job Safety Analysis may be used to identify hazards and controls for excavation activities.

Potential excavation JSAs may address:

• Excavator operation.
• Trenching.
• Underground utility installation.
• Trench-box installation.
• Shoring.
• Pipe installation.
• Backfilling.
• Compaction.
• Loading dump trucks.
• Working near traffic.
• Working near overhead power lines.

The JSA should reflect the specific jobsite and work being performed.

Surface Encumbrances

Surface objects that could create hazards should be removed, supported, or otherwise controlled before excavation work begins.

Potential hazards include:

• Trees.
• Utility poles.
• Signs.
• Structures.
• Large rocks.
• Materials.
• Equipment.

Employees should not work beneath unstable objects that could fall or move into an excavation.

Underground Utilities

The estimated location of underground installations that may reasonably be encountered must be determined before an excavation is opened.

Potential installations include:

• Electrical lines.
• Natural gas.
• Fuel lines.
• Water.
• Sewer.
• Telecommunications.
• Fiber optic lines.
• Process piping.

Utility companies or owners should be contacted as required before excavation begins.

Utility Locating

Excavation contractors should follow applicable utility-notification and locating requirements before disturbing soil.

The work area should be reviewed for:

• Utility markings.
• Drawings.
• Known service connections.
• Private utilities.
• Aboveground indicators.
• Previous installations.

Employees should understand applicable markings and excavation restrictions.

Approaching Underground Utilities

As excavation approaches the estimated location of an underground installation, the exact location should be determined by safe and acceptable means.

Methods may include:

• Hand digging.
• Vacuum excavation.
• Other approved locating methods.

The method selected should reflect the utility and job conditions.

Exposed Underground Installations

While an excavation remains open, exposed underground installations should be protected, supported, or removed as necessary to protect employees.

Employees should not:

• Stand on utilities.
• Use exposed utilities as access.
• Attach equipment to utilities.
• Place loads on unsupported installations.

Damage should be reported immediately.

Utility Strikes

Procedures should address accidental contact with underground utilities.

Depending on the utility, employees may need to:

• Stop work.
• Shut down equipment.
• Evacuate the area.
• Prevent ignition sources.
• Contact emergency services.
• Notify the utility owner.
• Restrict access.

Employees should not attempt repairs unless specifically qualified and authorized.

Electrical Utility Contact

Contact with underground electrical lines can energize equipment and surrounding areas.

If equipment contacts an energized electrical installation, employees should follow emergency procedures and avoid approaching the equipment until the electrical hazard has been controlled.

Operators should understand procedures for electrical contact before beginning excavation.

Gas Line Damage

Damage to natural-gas or fuel lines can create fire, explosion, and atmospheric hazards.

Employees should:

• Stop work.
• Eliminate ignition sources where safely possible.
• Move away from the release.
• Prevent unauthorized entry.
• Notify appropriate emergency and utility personnel.

Employees should not attempt to stop a gas leak unless trained, equipped, and authorized.

Soil Classification

Soil conditions are a critical factor in selecting appropriate cave-in protection.

Soil and rock deposits should be classified according to applicable OSHA requirements.

Classifications may include:

• Stable rock.
• Type A soil.
• Type B soil.
• Type C soil.

Soil classification should be performed by a Competent Person using required visual and manual analyses.

Changing Soil Conditions

Soil conditions may change during excavation.

Changes may result from:

• Rain.
• Water seepage.
• Vibration.
• Previously disturbed soil.
• Utility trenches.
• Adjacent equipment.
• Weather.
• Excavation depth.

The Competent Person should reevaluate conditions when changes occur.

Cave-In Hazards

Cave-ins are among the most serious hazards associated with excavation work.

Soil can fail suddenly and with little warning.

Employees should never assume an excavation is safe because:

• It has remained open for several days.
• No soil movement is visible.
• The soil appears hard.
• Employees previously entered without incident.

Required protective systems should be used.

Protective Systems

Employees in excavations should be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system except where an applicable OSHA exception applies.

Protective methods generally include:

• Sloping.
• Benching.
• Shoring.
• Shielding.

The system selected should be appropriate for the excavation and soil conditions.

Excavations Less Than Five Feet Deep

An excavation less than five feet deep does not automatically require a protective system when a Competent Person examines the ground and finds no indication of a potential cave-in.

The Competent Person’s determination is essential.

A shallow excavation should not be assumed safe based solely on depth.

Excavations Five Feet or Deeper

Employees working in excavations five feet or more in depth generally require an adequate protective system unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock.

Protective systems should be selected and installed according to applicable requirements.

Excavations More Than Twenty Feet Deep

Protective systems for excavations more than 20 feet deep require additional engineering considerations.

Sloping, benching, and protective systems at these depths must be designed as required by OSHA, including use of a Registered Professional Engineer where applicable.

Sloping

Sloping protects employees by cutting excavation walls back at an angle appropriate for the soil and conditions.

Sloping requirements depend on factors such as:

• Soil classification.
• Excavation depth.
• Adjacent loads.
• Vibration.
• Water.
• Other site conditions.

Employees should not modify required slopes without authorization.

Benching

Benching forms horizontal levels or steps in the excavation walls.

Benching may be permitted for certain soil classifications and conditions.

Benching is not permitted in every soil type.

The Competent Person should determine whether benching is appropriate.

Shoring

Shoring supports excavation walls to prevent movement.

Shoring systems may include:

• Timber shoring.
• Hydraulic shoring.
• Pneumatic shoring.
• Engineered systems.

Shoring should be installed, used, and removed according to applicable requirements and design information.

Hydraulic Shoring

Hydraulic shoring systems should be inspected and used according to manufacturer requirements and applicable OSHA provisions.

Employees should inspect components for:

• Leaks.
• Damage.
• Bent members.
• Defective connections.
• Other deterioration.

Damaged components should be removed from service.

Shielding

Shielding systems, commonly called trench boxes, protect employees from cave-ins.

A trench box does not prevent the excavation wall from collapsing. It is designed to protect employees within the shield.

Employees should remain within the protected area.

Trench Box Selection

Trench boxes should be appropriate for:

• Excavation depth.
• Soil conditions.
• Expected loads.
• Excavation dimensions.

Manufacturer tabulated data and limitations should be followed.

Trench Box Installation

Trench boxes should be installed so employees are protected during use.

Employees should not be exposed to cave-in hazards while:

• Installing.
• Removing.
• Repositioning.

Equipment and procedures should be planned before the operation begins.

Working Inside a Trench Box

Employees should remain inside the protected area of the shield.

Employees should not work outside the trench box where they would be exposed to an unprotected cave-in hazard.

The box should be positioned appropriately as work progresses.

Trench Box Movement

Employees should not remain in shields while they are being installed, removed, or moved vertically unless specifically permitted by applicable requirements and the system is designed for the activity.

Procedures should address safe repositioning.

Protective-System Damage

Protective-system components should be inspected for damage.

If equipment is damaged, the Competent Person should evaluate whether it remains suitable for use.

Unsafe components should be removed from service.

Manufacturer Tabulated Data

Manufactured protective systems should be installed and used within the limitations established by the manufacturer.

Required tabulated data should be available at the jobsite when applicable.

Employees should not improvise modifications to engineered systems.

Spoil Piles

Excavated material and other materials can create surcharge loads and falling-object hazards.

Spoils, equipment, and materials should be kept at least two feet from the edge of excavations unless another effective retaining method is used.

Spoil placement should also consider:

• Equipment access.
• Drainage.
• Emergency access.
• Utility locations.

Falling Material

Employees should be protected from:

• Loose rock.
• Soil.
• Materials.
• Equipment.

Materials that could fall or roll into an excavation should be removed, scaled, supported, or otherwise controlled.

Access and Egress

Safe access and egress should be provided for excavation work.

Employees should not:

• Climb excavation walls.
• Climb trench-box components unless designed for access.
• Use pipes or utilities as ladders.
• Jump into or out of excavations.

Approved access should be used.

Trenches Four Feet or Deeper

A stairway, ladder, ramp, or other safe means of egress must be provided in trench excavations that are four feet or more in depth.

Access should be located so employees do not have to travel more than 25 feet laterally to reach it.

Ladders

Ladders used for trench access should be:

• Properly positioned.
• Secured as necessary.
• Maintained in good condition.
• Accessible from the protected area.

Employees should maintain appropriate climbing practices.

Structural Ramps

Structural ramps used solely by employees for access or egress should be designed by a Competent Person.

Ramps used for equipment access should be designed by a Competent Person qualified in structural design.

Ramps should be constructed according to the design.

Equipment Ramps

Equipment ramps should:

• Support expected loads.
• Provide appropriate traction.
• Be wide enough for equipment.
• Be maintained.
• Provide adequate clearance.

Employees should remain clear of moving equipment.

Excavation Inspections

A Competent Person should inspect excavations, adjacent areas, and protective systems as required.

Inspections should identify evidence of:

• Possible cave-ins.
• Protective-system failure.
• Hazardous atmospheres.
• Water accumulation.
• Loose materials.
• Unsafe access.
• Other hazardous conditions.

Employees should not enter until required inspections are complete.

Daily Inspections

Inspections should be performed before the start of work and as needed throughout the shift.

The frequency should reflect changing conditions and employee exposure.

Inspections After Rain

Excavations should be inspected after rainstorms or other hazard-increasing events when employees will be exposed.

Rain can:

• Weaken soil.
• Increase hydrostatic pressure.
• Cause erosion.
• Affect protective systems.
• Create water accumulation.

Work should not resume until conditions are determined safe.

Inspections After Changing Conditions

Additional inspections may be necessary following:

• Heavy equipment operating near the excavation.
• Vibration.
• Soil movement.
• Water intrusion.
• Utility damage.
• Protective-system movement.
• Severe weather.

Employees should leave the hazardous area until conditions are corrected.

Water Accumulation

Employees should not work in excavations where water has accumulated or is accumulating unless adequate precautions are taken.

Controls may include:

• Pumps.
• Drainage.
• Ditches.
• Dikes.
• Special support or shield systems.
• Other protective measures.

Water-removal equipment and operations should be monitored by a Competent Person where required.

Surface Water

Surface water should be controlled when it could enter an excavation.

Potential controls include:

• Diversion ditches.
• Dikes.
• Grading.
• Pumps.
• Drainage systems.

Excavations subject to runoff should be inspected appropriately.

Dewatering

Dewatering operations should be planned so they do not create additional instability.

Employees should consider:

• Pump location.
• Discharge location.
• Electrical hazards.
• Fuel-powered equipment.
• Erosion.
• Soil movement.

Water should not be discharged where it creates another hazard.

Hazardous Atmospheres

Excavations can contain hazardous atmospheres.

Potential hazards include:

• Oxygen deficiency.
• Toxic gases.
• Flammable vapors.
• Natural gas.
• Hydrogen sulfide.
• Carbon monoxide.

Atmospheric hazards should be evaluated when conditions indicate they may be present.

Atmospheric Testing

Where oxygen deficiency or a hazardous atmosphere exists or could reasonably be expected, atmospheric testing should be conducted before employees enter.

Testing should address applicable:

• Oxygen levels.
• Flammable gases and vapors.
• Toxic contaminants.

Testing equipment should be appropriate and maintained.

Ventilation

Ventilation may be necessary to maintain a safe atmosphere.

Ventilation equipment should:

• Be appropriate for the hazard.
• Be positioned effectively.
• Avoid introducing additional contaminants.
• Be monitored.

Atmospheric testing should continue as necessary.

Internal Combustion Equipment

Gasoline-, diesel-, or propane-powered equipment can introduce exhaust gases into excavations.

Equipment placement should prevent dangerous accumulation of:

• Carbon monoxide.
• Nitrogen oxides.
• Other exhaust contaminants.

Atmospheric monitoring and ventilation may be necessary.

Confined Spaces

An excavation or trench is not automatically a confined space.

However, related structures or installations may qualify as confined spaces or permit-required confined spaces.

Examples may include:

• Manholes.
• Vaults.
• Tanks.
• Sewers.
• Pipelines.
• Chambers.

Applicable Confined Space procedures should be followed when employees enter qualifying spaces.

Adjacent Structures

Excavation can undermine or destabilize nearby structures.

Potentially affected structures include:

• Buildings.
• Walls.
• Sidewalks.
• Pavement.
• Utility poles.
• Foundations.
• Retaining walls.

Support systems such as shoring, bracing, or underpinning should be provided when necessary.

Undermining

Employees should not excavate beneath:

• Foundations.
• Footings.
• Walls.
• Sidewalks.
• Pavement

unless appropriate precautions have been taken.

Engineering evaluation may be necessary.

Heavy Equipment Safety

Excavation contractors commonly use heavy equipment.

Equipment may include:

• Excavators.
• Backhoes.
• Loaders.
• Bulldozers.
• Skid steers.
• Trenchers.
• Compactors.
• Dump trucks.

Only qualified and authorized employees should operate equipment.

Equipment Inspections

Mobile equipment should be inspected as required before use.

Operators should check applicable:

• Brakes.
• Steering.
• Lights.
• Horns.
• Backup alarms.
• Hydraulic systems.
• Tires or tracks.
• Attachments.
• Safety devices.

Unsafe equipment should be removed from service.

Excavator Safety

Excavator operators should maintain control of the machine and work area.

Operators should consider:

• Swing radius.
• Ground stability.
• Excavation edges.
• Utilities.
• Employees.
• Overhead hazards.
• Equipment capacity.

Employees should remain clear of operating equipment.

Equipment Near Excavation Edges

Heavy equipment can impose surcharge loads on excavation walls.

Equipment should be positioned at a safe distance from the edge based on:

• Soil conditions.
• Excavation depth.
• Protective-system design.
• Equipment weight.
• Competent Person evaluation.

Equipment should not be operated where it could cause collapse.

Equipment Rollovers

Equipment operators should evaluate:

• Edge stability.
• Slopes.
• Soft ground.
• Excavation visibility.
• Travel routes.

Required seat belts and rollover protective systems should be used where applicable.

Swing Radius

Employees should remain outside the swing radius of excavators and other rotating equipment.

Where employees could enter the swing area, appropriate controls should be established.

Blind Spots

Excavators, loaders, and trucks have significant blind spots.

Controls may include:

• Spotters.
• Cameras.
• Mirrors.
• Barricades.
• Communication systems.
• Restricted access.

Employees should make positive contact with operators before approaching equipment.

Spotters

Spotters should be trained in:

• Hand signals.
• Equipment blind spots.
• Positioning.
• Communication.
• Utility hazards.

Spotters should remain visible to the operator whenever practical.

Backing Equipment

Backing incidents can result in serious injuries.

Controls may include:

• Backup alarms.
• Spotters.
• Cameras.
• Designated routes.
• Restricted pedestrian areas.

Employees should avoid walking behind operating equipment.

Loading Dump Trucks

Employees should remain clear while excavators or loaders load trucks.

Truck drivers should remain in designated safe locations.

Equipment operators should avoid:

• Swinging buckets over occupied cabs when prohibited or avoidable.
• Overloading trucks.
• Striking truck bodies.
• Creating unstable loads.

Loads should be secured or covered as required.

Dump Truck Safety

Dumping operations should consider:

• Ground stability.
• Overhead power lines.
• Excavation edges.
• Side slopes.
• Tailgate hazards.

Drivers should verify adequate overhead clearance before raising beds.

Working Beneath Loads

Employees should not work beneath:

• Excavator buckets.
• Suspended pipe.
• Rigged materials.
• Other suspended loads.

Operators should not swing loads over employees.

Lifting with Excavators

Excavators may be used for lifting only when the equipment, attachments, and manufacturer requirements permit the operation.

Lifting should consider:

• Rated capacity.
• Lift points.
• Rigging.
• Load radius.
• Ground conditions.
• Operator qualifications.

Improvised lifting methods should not be used.

Pipe Handling

Pipe installation may involve heavy, unstable, or suspended materials.

Controls should address:

• Rigging.
• Tag lines.
• Pinch points.
• Equipment positioning.
• Storage.
• Employees in the trench.

Employees should remain clear of suspended pipe.

Rigging

Rigging equipment should be:

• Appropriate for the load.
• Inspected.
• Properly rated.
• Protected from damage.

Qualified employees should perform rigging as required.

Tag Lines

Tag lines may be used when necessary to control suspended loads.

Employees should avoid:

• Wrapping tag lines around the body.
• Standing beneath loads.
• Positioning themselves between the load and fixed objects.

Pinch and Crush Hazards

Excavation work creates numerous pinch and crush hazards involving:

• Pipe.
• Trench boxes.
• Equipment.
• Shoring.
• Attachments.
• Materials.

Employees should maintain safe body positioning and avoid placing themselves between moving equipment and fixed objects.

Overhead Power Lines

Excavation equipment may operate near overhead electrical lines.

Before work begins, employees should identify overhead hazards and maintain required clearances.

Particular attention should be given to:

• Excavator booms.
• Dump truck beds.
• Cranes.
• Long materials.

Traffic Control

Excavation work may occur near active roads or within work zones.

Traffic-control procedures should protect employees from:

• Cars.
• Trucks.
• Construction equipment.
• Public traffic.

Controls may include:

• Signs.
• Cones.
• Barricades.
• Channelizing devices.
• Flaggers.
• High-visibility apparel.

Employees Exposed to Traffic

Employees exposed to public vehicular traffic should wear appropriate warning garments.

Work zones should be established according to applicable requirements and project plans.

Excavations Near Roadways

Excavations adjacent to roads can be affected by:

• Traffic vibration.
• Vehicle surcharge loads.
• Limited workspace.
• Public access.

The Competent Person should consider these conditions when evaluating protective systems.

Fall Hazards Around Excavations

Open excavations can create fall hazards for employees and the public.

Appropriate controls may include:

• Guardrails.
• Barricades.
• Warning systems.
• Covers.
• Controlled access.

Controls should reflect applicable requirements and the actual exposure.

Walkways Over Excavations

Walkways may be necessary where employees or the public cross excavations.

Walkways should:

• Have adequate strength.
• Be maintained.
• Include required guardrails where applicable.
• Provide stable footing.

Employees should not cross excavations using pipes, trench boxes, or improvised surfaces.

Barricades and Signage

Barricades and signs may be necessary to:

• Identify open excavations.
• Restrict unauthorized entry.
• Protect pedestrians.
• Control vehicles.
• Mark equipment operating areas.

Controls should remain effective during non-working hours when excavations remain open.

Public Protection

Excavations in populated areas may expose:

• Pedestrians.
• Residents.
• Customers.
• Children.
• Drivers.

Excavations should be appropriately secured when unattended.

Nighttime Conditions

Excavations remaining open overnight should be protected and visible.

Controls may include:

• Barricades.
• Reflective devices.
• Warning lights.
• Fencing.
• Covers.

Site conditions should be evaluated before employees return to work.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE should be selected through an appropriate hazard assessment.

Depending on the work, PPE may include:

• Hard hats.
• Safety glasses.
• High-visibility apparel.
• Work gloves.
• Safety footwear.
• Hearing protection.
• Respiratory protection.
• Fall protection.

Employees should inspect PPE and use it as required.

Head Protection

Hard hats should be worn where employees may be exposed to:

• Falling materials.
• Equipment.
• Suspended loads.
• Overhead hazards.

Employees working in excavations may be particularly exposed to objects falling from above.

High-Visibility Apparel

High-visibility apparel may be required for employees exposed to:

• Public traffic.
• Construction vehicles.
• Heavy equipment.

Garments should be appropriate for the work environment.

Hearing Conservation

Excavation contractors may operate equipment capable of producing hazardous noise.

Potential sources include:

• Excavators.
• Compactors.
• Jackhammers.
• Saws.
• Pumps.
• Generators.

Noise exposure should be evaluated and controlled as required.

Silica Exposure

Excavation contractors may encounter respirable crystalline silica during activities such as:

• Cutting concrete.
• Saw cutting.
• Jackhammering.
• Drilling.
• Demolition.
• Disturbing silica-containing materials.

Applicable silica-exposure controls should be implemented when these tasks are performed.

Dust Control

Dust may be generated by:

• Excavation.
• Grading.
• Backfilling.
• Vehicle traffic.
• Cutting operations.

Dust should be controlled where it creates an employee exposure or visibility hazard.

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection may be necessary when engineering and work-practice controls do not adequately control applicable airborne hazards.

Where respirators are required, the employer should implement an appropriate Respiratory Protection Program.

Hand and Power Tools

Excavation employees may use:

• Shovels.
• Picks.
• Saws.
• Drills.
• Jackhammers.
• Compaction equipment.

Tools should be inspected, maintained, and used according to manufacturer instructions.

Compaction Equipment

Employees operating compactors should be aware of:

• Vibration.
• Noise.
• Pinch points.
• Moving equipment.
• Excavation edges.

Compaction activity should not compromise excavation stability or protective systems.

Backfilling

Before backfilling begins, employees should:

• Clear unnecessary personnel.
• Remove equipment safely.
• Coordinate with equipment operators.
• Protect utilities.
• Remove protective systems according to established procedures.

Employees should remain clear of moving equipment.

Removing Protective Systems

Removal of shoring and other protective systems should be planned so employees remain protected.

Removal should generally progress from the bottom of the excavation upward as appropriate to the system and conditions.

Employees should not be exposed to unprotected excavation walls during removal.

Weather

Weather can significantly affect excavation safety.

Potential concerns include:

• Rain.
• Flooding.
• Freezing and thawing.
• Extreme heat.
• Lightning.
• High winds.

Excavations should be reevaluated when weather changes site conditions.

Severe Weather

Employees should leave excavation areas when severe weather creates hazards that cannot be adequately controlled.

Excavations should be inspected before reentry following hazard-increasing weather events.

Heat Stress

Excavation employees frequently perform strenuous outdoor work.

Heat-illness prevention should consider:

• Acclimatization.
• Drinking water.
• Rest.
• Shade.
• Workload.
• Temperature.
• Protective clothing.

Employees should recognize symptoms of heat illness.

Cold Stress

Cold-weather excavation work may expose employees to:

• Low temperatures.
• Wind.
• Wet clothing.
• Ice.

Appropriate clothing, warming opportunities, and work practices should be provided.

Working Around Other Contractors

Excavation projects frequently involve multiple employers.

Coordination may be necessary with:

• General contractors.
• Utility companies.
• Plumbers.
• Electricians.
• Concrete contractors.
• Pipe crews.
• Inspectors.
• Traffic-control contractors.

Changes affecting excavation safety should be communicated.

Site-Specific Requirements

Excavation contractors may work under:

• General-contractor safety programs.
• Owner safety requirements.
• Municipal requirements.
• Utility-owner procedures.
• Project-specific safety plans.

Applicable site requirements should be incorporated into work planning.

Stop-Work Authority

Employees should stop work and notify supervision when they identify conditions such as:

• Possible cave-in.
• Damaged protective systems.
• Utility conflicts.
• Hazardous atmospheres.
• Water accumulation.
• Unsafe equipment.
• Unstable structures.
• Uncontrolled traffic.

Employees should not enter or remain in hazardous excavations while corrective actions are pending.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency planning should address foreseeable excavation incidents.

Potential emergencies include:

• Cave-ins.
• Utility strikes.
• Gas releases.
• Electrical contact.
• Flooding.
• Equipment rollovers.
• Medical emergencies.
• Hazardous atmospheres.

Employees should know how to summon emergency assistance.

Cave-In Emergencies

Employees should not enter a collapsed or unstable excavation to perform an improvised rescue.

A secondary collapse can injure would-be rescuers.

Emergency response should rely on appropriately trained and equipped rescue personnel.

First Aid

First-aid resources should reflect the location and hazards of excavation work.

Employees should know:

• How to summon emergency medical services.
• The jobsite address or location.
• Access routes for responders.
• Who is trained in first aid.

Excavation Safety Inspections

Periodic inspections may evaluate:

• Excavations.
• Protective systems.
• Access and egress.
• Spoil placement.
• Utilities.
• Heavy equipment.
• Traffic control.
• PPE.
• Barricades.
• Atmospheric monitoring equipment.

Deficiencies should be corrected promptly.

Excavation & Trenching Safety Training

Employees should receive training appropriate to their responsibilities.

Training may address:

• Cave-in hazards.
• Protective systems.
• Competent Person authority.
• Access and egress.
• Underground utilities.
• Heavy equipment.
• Spoil placement.
• Hazardous atmospheres.
• Water accumulation.
• Emergency procedures.

Employees should understand that excavation conditions can change rapidly.

Competent Person Training

Competent Persons should possess the knowledge necessary to perform assigned excavation responsibilities.

Training and experience should address applicable:

• Soil classification.
• Protective systems.
• Inspection requirements.
• Hazard recognition.
• Water hazards.
• Atmospheric hazards.
• Utility hazards.
• OSHA requirements.

Designation should be based on actual competency, not merely a job title.

Heavy Equipment Operator Training

Operators should be trained and authorized for the equipment they use.

Training should address:

• Controls.
• Equipment limitations.
• Inspections.
• Blind spots.
• Stability.
• Excavation edges.
• Utilities.
• Pedestrian safety.

Spotter Training

Spotters should understand:

• Hand signals.
• Equipment movements.
• Blind spots.
• Safe positioning.
• Utility hazards.
• Emergency stop signals.

Operators and spotters should agree on communication methods before work begins.

Refresher Training

Additional training may be necessary following:

• Unsafe practices.
• Incidents.
• Near misses.
• New equipment.
• New protective systems.
• Procedure changes.
• Demonstrated lack of understanding.

Safety Meetings

Periodic toolbox talks or safety meetings may reinforce:

• Trenching safety.
• Cave-in prevention.
• Utility locating.
• Trench boxes.
• Spoil piles.
• Heavy equipment.
• Spotters.
• Weather.
• Recent incidents.

Incident Reporting

Employees should promptly report:

• Injuries.
• Near misses.
• Cave-ins.
• Soil movement.
• Utility strikes.
• Equipment incidents.
• Protective-system damage.
• Hazardous atmospheres.

Serious incidents should be handled according to applicable reporting requirements.

Incident Investigation

Excavation incidents should be investigated to determine:

• Immediate causes.
• Contributing factors.
• Root causes.
• Corrective actions.

Investigations may evaluate:

• Planning.
• Competent Person decisions.
• Soil classification.
• Protective systems.
• Utility information.
• Equipment positioning.
• Training.
• Communication.
• Supervision.

Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis can identify underlying failures involving:

• Planning.
• Procedures.
• Training.
• Equipment selection.
• Utility coordination.
• Inspection.
• Supervision.
• Communication.
• Corrective-action systems.

Corrective actions should address the causes that allowed the incident or unsafe condition to occur.

Recordkeeping

Applicable records may include:

• Employee training.
• Competent Person designations.
• Excavation inspections.
• Protective-system documentation.
• Manufacturer tabulated data.
• Utility information.
• Equipment inspections.
• Atmospheric monitoring.
• Incident investigations.
• Corrective actions.

Records should be retained according to applicable requirements and company procedures.

Additional Safety Programs

Depending on company operations and employee exposures, an Excavation Contractor Safety Manual may include programs for:

• Excavation & Trenching Safety.
• Competent Person – Excavation.
• Underground Utility Safety.
• Utility Locating.
• Soil Classification.
• Protective Systems.
• Trench Box Safety.
• Shoring.
• Heavy Equipment.
• Mobile Equipment.
• Backhoe/Loader Safety.
• Excavator Safety.
• Skid Steer Safety.
• Dump Truck Safety.
• Spotter Safety.
• Rigging & Material Handling.
• Crane Safety.
• Working Around Suspended Loads.
• Traffic Control.
• Flagger Safety.
• Working Adjacent to Live Traffic.
• Overhead Power Lines.
• Electrical Safety.
• Confined Space.
• Hazardous Atmospheres.
• Respiratory Protection.
• Silica Exposure.
• Hearing Conservation.
• PPE.
• Fall Protection.
• Ladder Safety.
• Walking-Working Surfaces.
• Hand & Power Tools.
• Manual Material Handling.
• Heat Stress Prevention.
• Cold Stress.
• Severe Weather.
• Emergency Action Plan.
• First Aid.
• Incident Reporting & Investigation.
• Root Cause Analysis.

Programs should be included when the contractor’s operations and employee exposures make them applicable.

Building an Excavation Contractor Safety Manual

A useful Excavation Contractor Safety Manual should be based on the work the contractor actually performs.

A small residential excavation contractor may primarily require procedures for backhoes and excavators, utility locating, shallow excavations, trench protection, dump trucks, PPE, and equipment safety.

A commercial sitework contractor may also require programs for deep excavations, trench boxes, shoring, grading, loaders, compactors, traffic control, silica, lifting operations, and multiple subcontractors.

An underground utility contractor may require extensive procedures for trenching, pipe handling, underground utility locating, confined spaces, atmospheric testing, shoring, shielding, lifting and rigging, traffic control, and emergency response.

A highway or municipal excavation contractor may also require detailed work-zone traffic control, flagging, heavy equipment, public protection, and roadway excavation procedures.

A contractor performing deep or complex excavations may require engineered protective systems and project-specific procedures beyond those needed for routine excavation work.

The company’s master manual should therefore include the programs that may apply across its operations, with job-specific planning determining which procedures apply to each project.

Customized Excavation Contractor Safety Manuals

An Excavation Contractor Safety Manual can be developed around the company’s excavation, trenching, grading, underground utility, drainage, site-development, and earthmoving operations.

The finished manual may incorporate applicable programs for Excavation & Trenching Safety, Underground Utilities, Competent Persons, Soil Classification, Protective Systems, Trench Boxes, Shoring, Heavy Equipment, Mobile Equipment, Rigging, Traffic Control, Confined Spaces, Hazardous Atmospheres, Silica, PPE, Emergency Response, Incident Investigation, and other hazards associated with excavation contracting.

This provides excavation contractors, trenching contractors, sitework companies, underground utility contractors, grading contractors, civil contractors, and earthwork companies with a practical OSHA safety manual organized around the work their employees actually perform.

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