subject: Osha Requirements For Trenching Projects [print this page] Trenching in construction is very dangerous, and it should not be taken lightly. In fact, the fatality rate in trenching accidents is 112% higher than that of all other types of construction accidents. To prevent such accidents, employees and supervisors must adhere to federal safety standards set forth by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). There are also safety regulations in each state, and it is essential for construction companies to follow all regulations in order to prevent accidents and avoid fines for violations. The following are just some of the OSHA safety regulations that you should know in order to prevent cave-ins and other deadly accidents during your trenching project:
Know the type of soil at the trench site. There are different types of soils, which require different shoring equipment to prevent cave-ins. OSHA requires a NUCA Competent Person to evaluate the soil at the trench site to determine the shoring equipment necessary to brace the trench and prevent collapse.
Know how much soil a trench box can hold. This is essential to preventing accidents. A trench box that is three feet tall, three feet deep, and three feet wide, can hold up to 2,500 pounds of dirt.
The depth of the trench will determine the shoring and sloping methods to be used to prevent caving in. If you need to slope trench walls, the bottom is narrower than the top. Keep the angle fixed.
The allowable measurements and specifications of trenches differ from one jurisdiction to another, so it is important to know what the allowable specifications of a trench are in your location before you begin to dig. Failing to do so may compromise the safety of your trench and subject your company to fines.
Trenching operations require certain equipment to be at hand in the event of an accident. Keep ladders handy in any trenches over four feet deep.
A certified Competent Person should be available in the area at all times to monitor trench safety and identify potentially hazardous conditions.
Ensuring compliance with OSHA safety standards can help to ensure that trenching accident statistics don't become a reality at your job site. Most trench shoring equipment companies will offer OSHA training courses to ensure your employees are kept up to date on all of the latest safety standards. In addition, a NUCA-certified Competent Person must be on hand at any trench site to ensure OSHA requirements are followed.
