Basics of Trench Safety
Working in a trench happens often on job sites and it’s important for all to know how to work safely in and around them. Today’s Safety Saturday moment shares the basics of trench safety.
A trench is an excavation deeper than it is wide and 15 ft in width at most. Because of this, cave-ins are the greatest danger when working in trenches. To prevent injury or death, proper safety precautions must be taken with every trench. Sloping, shoring, and shielding are a few protective systems while working in the trench. Other hazards to consider when working in a trench are uncontrolled water, utility lines, toxic gases, and lack of oxygen. Factors outside the trench such as existing constructions and vehicle traffic can be made unstable by trench work. If you suspect any problem with a trench, speak up and get to safety immediately.
Until next time, from all of us at the W. L. French Safety Department, stay safe out there.