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What's the difference between a trench and an excavation? An excavation is a hole left in the ground as the result of removing material. A trench is an excavation in which the depth exceeds the width. An unstable trench or excavation can collapse, killing or injuring workers by suffocation or crushing when a worker is buried by falling soil. Trench stability is affected by a number of factors such as:
The risk of a cave-in is not the only hazard in trenching. Injuries and deaths are also related to six other major areas:
Before excavating, the gas, electrical, and other services in the area must be accurately located and marked. If the service poses a hazard, it must be shut off and disconnected. Over half of all powerline contacts involve buried cable. Protection There are three basic methods of protecting workers against trench cave-ins:
Most fatal cave-ins occur on small jobs of short duration such as service connections and excavations for drains and wells. Too often people think that these jobs are not hazardous enough to require safeguards against collapse. Unless the walls are solid rock, never enter a trench deeper than 1.2 metres (4 feet) if it is not properly sloped, shored, or protected by a trench box. Regulations Part III (sections 222 to 242) of the Construction Regulation applies to all excavating and trenching operations. It identifies the various types of soils and specifies the type of shoring and timbering to be used for each. It spells out the precautions that must be taken before an excavation is begun and the requirements for trench support systems that must be designed by a professional engineer. Training
The Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) and its members have designated April 2010 as the first annual Dig Safe Month in Ontario. This month is designed to coincide with the unofficial start of spring digging season and to serve as a reminder to homeowners and contractors that they need to call before they start digging. Ensuring the safety of those who work or live in the vicinity of underground facilities and protecting vital services is everyone's responsibility. The ORCGA and its members are encouraging homeowners and contractors to call for locates before they dig to prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages. Throughout April, ORCGA members and geographic councils will be leading local campaigns across the province to spread awareness about safe digging practices and "Call Before You Dig". Call Before You Dig Posters
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Construction Health and Safety Manual (M029) Our most comprehensive guide for health and safety information, covering all aspects of construction work. This is a must-have for every worker. See Chapter 31 on Trenching. | |
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Covers a wide variety of safety topics for the construction industry and helps reinforce accident prevention on the job. See individual safety talks listed below dealing with excavator handsignals and trenching. | |
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Locating Underground Utilities (W030) Useful information outlining the importance of locating underground utilities before excavating a site: what the law says, possible fines and penalties, responsibilities of the excavator and things to watch out for. | |
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Call Before You Dig Poster (P027) A reminder to call Ontario One Call or contact the utilities in the area before excavating a site. Includes a list of the colour-coded markings that designate each underground utility (Gas, Water, Sewer, Electrical, etc.). | |
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Introduction to Trenching Hazards DVD (FD031) This DVD covers all major hazards and safeguards involved in trenching operations. The main focus is on preventing and protecting against cave-ins, but it also explains sloping, shoring, and trench boxes in detail. 27 minutes. |  |
Trenching Safety Manual (M026) The Trenching Safety Manual provides an introduction to trenching hazards. Contents include: soil types, causes of cave-ins, protection and safeguards, and emergency procedures. |
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Resources Documents and Magazine Articles
E-learning and Videos Pipeline Construction Safety Training |
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The Construction Sector Council is offering this online course to help workers understand basic safety requirements on a pipeline jobsite. For more information on the course, including how to order your PIN number to access the online course, click the details button. |
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