WHAT’S AT STAKE

Trenching and installing irrigation systems is inherently dangerous and challenging work that requires a comprehensive safety protocol.

WHAT’S THE DANGER

Trenching and installing irrigation systems are dangerous activities because of the risks of cave-ins, workers falling into the trench, and accidental severing of utility pipes. Trenches can be a source of suffocation deaths as well as sprains and fractures. Common hazards include:

• Cave-ins
• Falling into trenches causing sprains and fractures
• Cutting existing utility lines
• Hazardous atmosphere

Incident example

• A landscape worker was using an excavator to dig a trench for an irrigation line. The bucket inadvertently ruptured a natural gas line. The […]

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