Toolbox talk on excavation safety

Excavation safety is paramount, especially on a construction site.

Most times, excavation occurs when there is a need to build a physical structure or lay a foundation.

However, excavation collapse is the main excavation hazard. When there is an excavation collapse, the loose soil may bury the person or any material within the vicinity.

Hazards associated with excavation.

• The collapse of the excavation.
• Exposure to buried services such as electricity cables, soak-away pits, and drainage pipes.
• Exposure to overhead electrical cables.
• Falls into excavation or trenches.
• Unstable adjacent structures.
• Flooding.
• Electrocution

Excavation Safety: What can you do to promote excavation safety today?

• Get the service of a competent person who knows about soil analysis for the excavation activity.

• Inspect all equipment for the excavation e.g the excavator, backhoe loader, etc. Always use the equipment if they are in good condition.

• Always provide a safe means of access for excavations. Most especially, when they are deeper than 4 feet. Encourage the use of ladders, ramps or stairways.

• If excavations are to be in places where we have vehicular movement, all workers have to wear a visibility vest.

• Consider shoring, sheeting or sloping or trench box in excavation to prevent cave-in or collapse.

• Keep all excavated materials or debris away from the edge of the excavation.

• Appropriate use of personal protective equipment for all persons in the excavation activity.

• Carry out daily inspections of all excavations on-site by the supervisors.

• Take note of all buried services within the area before the excavation.

• Put all mobile equipment away from the excavation. Consider packing the equipment away from the excavation.

• Keep unauthorized workers and visitors away from the excavation using barricades or caution tape.

• Put appropriate safety signs showing safe practices and ensure they are visible to persons.

• Most excavation needs a permit to work. However, sign and authorise all work permits before the start of work.

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