SOS Safety Consulting
    Trenching 5 min

    Trenching & Excavation Safety

    Trench collapses are almost always fatal. One cubic yard of soil weighs as much as a small car. Protect every trench, every time.

    Back to Talks

    Key Points

    • Any trench 5 feet or deeper requires a protective system (slope, shore, or shield).
    • A competent person must inspect the trench daily and after any change.
    • Never enter a trench without a safe means of egress within 25 feet.

    Hazards to Watch For

    • Cave-ins and soil collapse
    • Falling loads and equipment near the edge
    • Hazardous atmospheres in deep trenches
    • Underground utilities (call 811 before you dig)

    Best Practices

    • Slope, shore, or shield — no exceptions at 5 feet+.
    • Keep spoil piles at least 2 feet from the trench edge.
    • Provide ladders, steps, or ramps every 25 feet of lateral travel.
    • Daily inspection by a competent person, documented.

    Discussion Questions

    1. Who is the competent person on this site, and have they inspected this trench today?
    2. Where's the spoil pile? (It must be at least 2 feet from the edge.)
    3. What's the soil type — and has it been classified?

    Crew Sign-In Sheet

    Print Name
    Signature
    Date

    Conducted by: ____________________________ Site: ____________________________

    — FROM THE FIELD

    Need a safety professional on site?

    SOS Safety Consulting places experienced safety professionals on construction projects and builds the project-specific documentation behind them.

    Talk to a Safety Consultant