Trench Safety in Construction

Trench Rescue (Source : Charlotte Fire Department Charlotte NC)

Quite often we hear of workers being trapped or injured while engaging in trench work. Thebiggest risk involved in trench work is that of the trench collapsing.

Working in wet conditions is one of the biggest causes of trench instability because as theground becomes more moist it also becomes less stable. Poor stability combined with the workprocesses involved with construction such as use of heavy machinery can be a recipe fordisaster.

Before engaging in trench work these risks should be taken into account. Workers should neverengage in trench work unless supervised or in the presence of a co-worker who can raise thealarm if something goes wrong.

It is also important that work is planned in a manner that it can be safely conducted, includingengulfment protection and site security requirements.

A safe work method statement (SWMS) must be designed for work involving mobile plant ortrenches more than 1.5m in depth.

Building materials, plant and machinery should be kept away from the edge of the trench.

While more often than not the weather is the cause of trench accidents, human error can alsobe the cause which is why attention to the issue is so vital to worker safety.

http://www.whitecardonline.com.au/blog/my-category/trench-safety-in-construction/

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

1 / 1