Excavation safety is paramount, especially on a construction site.
Most times, excavation occurs when there is a need to build a physical structure or lay a foundation.
However, excavation collapse is the main excavation hazard. When there is an excavation collapse, the loose soil may bury the person or any material within the vicinity.
Hazards associated with excavation.
- The collapse of the excavation.
- Exposure to buried services such as electricity cables, soak-away pits, and drainage pipes.
- Exposure to overhead electrical cables.
- Falls into excavation or trenches.
- Unstable adjacent structures.
- Flooding.
- Electrocution
Excavation Safety: What can you do to promote excavation safety today?
- Get the service of a competent person who knows about soil analysis for the excavation activity.
- Inspect all equipment for the excavation e.g the excavator, backhoe loader, etc. Always use the equipment if they are in good condition.
- Always provide a safe means of access for excavations. Most especially, when they are deeper than 4 feet. Encourage the use of ladders, ramps or stairways.
- If excavations are to be in places where we have vehicular movement, all workers have to wear a visibility vest.
- Consider shoring, sheeting or sloping or trench box in excavation to prevent cave-in or collapse.
- Keep all excavated materials or debris away from the edge of the excavation.
- Appropriate use of personal protective equipment for all persons in the excavation activity.
- Carry out daily inspections of all excavations on-site by the supervisors.
- Take note of all buried services within the area before the excavation.
- Put all mobile equipment away from the excavation. Consider packing the equipment away from the excavation.
- Keep unauthorized workers and visitors away from the excavation using barricades or caution tape.
- Put appropriate safety signs showing safe practices and ensure they are visible to persons.
- Most excavation needs a permit to work. However, sign and authorise all work permits before the start of work.
Read Also:
- toolbox talk on working at height
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- toolbox talk on electrical hazard
- toolbox talk on equipment maintenance.
- A complete guide on how to get a health and safety job in Nigeria; Starting and growing a career in HSE.
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- 37 Chemical handling safety tips.
- 30 hand safety tips to prevent hand injury
- What does it mean to have safe places of work?
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
