What is meant by a trench and an excavation?

Generally speaking, an excavation is a hole in the ground as the result of removing material. A trench is an excavation in which the depth exceeds (is bigger than) the width.

What are the hazards associated with trenching and excavation?

Working in trenches and excavations is hazardous to both the workers who work inside them, and to workers on the surface. The hazards include:

• Cave-ins or collapses that can trap workers.
• Equipment or excavated soil falling on workers (e.g., equipment operated or soil/debris stored too close to the excavation).
• Falling into the trench or […]

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