The excavation phase of any construction project can be one of the most dangerous stages of construction. Because of this, it is imperative that safety is key from beginning to end. Without it, the consequences can be deadly…and costly.
There have been numerous accounts of hefty fines (a recent fine in Boston was for $1.5 Million for a trench collapse), so be sure to follow OSHA’s guidelines on trenching and excavation. Here are several key take-aways:
• Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.
• Test for low oxygen, hazardous fumes and toxic gases.
• Inspect trenches following a rainstorm.
• Do not work under raised loads.
