Protect Workers: Prevent Trench Hazards

Workers in trenching and excavation need to remain cautious and alert.

According to fatality statistics from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, trenching-related fatalities have dropped significantly since 2022.  In 2022 there were 39 deaths due to trench collapse while in 2023 there were 15 reported fatalities due to trench collapse nationwide.  The latest available information for all but the last 2 months of 2024 reported 12 trench collapse deaths.

Benefits of Education and Safety Plans

The decreases are attributed to strengthened outreach and education by OSHA and collaboration of industry partners, efforts by state plans, and focused enforcement with no tolerance for unprotected trenches.  While these statistics are encouraging and the reduction in trench fatalities speaks well for the efforts of employers engaged in these activities, excavation exposures still exist in the workplace and new workers and supervisors still need to be educated on hazards and prevention methods.

Basics to Protect Excavation and Trenching Construction Workers

• Before entering a trench, the “competent person” – as defined by OSHA regulations – at the jobsite must inspect the trench and protection system to ensure that the trench is safe to enter.
• Establish protective measures such as benching, shoring, sloping and shielding for all trenches between 5 feet and 20 feet deep. Trenches 20 feet and deeper require a registered professional engineer to design these systems.
• Any trench or excavation 4 feet or deeper must have a means of exit. Ladders or ramps must be located no more than 25 feet from any employee while he or she is in the excavation.
• Assure that no one is working beneath the path of a load that is being lifted by crane, forklift or excavation equipment.

For more information and guidance on this topic, please review resources and OSHA guidelines or contact your Cincinnati Insurance loss control consultant for assistance.

This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Contact your local, independent insurance agent for coverage advice and policy service.