WHAT’S AT STAKE

Construction trenching for buried utilities, pipelines, water transport, and other activities may be hazardous. Trenches are usually deeper than they are wide, and the walls may become unstable and collapse on top of workers. Trench cave-ins occur when dirt, sand, and rocks collapse into the trench. These materials can engulf, injure, or kill workers in the trench.

WHAT’S THE DANGER

SPECIFIC TRENCHING AND SHORING HAZARDS FOR WORKERS

• Cave-ins or collapses that can trap or crush workers.
• Equipment is operated or soil and debris is stored too close to the excavation.
• Falling into the trench or excavation.
• Flooding or water accumulation.
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