Most construction sites will need one or more trenches dug. They are essential for foundations to be laid, for sewage to be taken away and for supplies such as gas, electricity, water or internet to be run to a property.
The problem is that holes in the ground are hazardous, especially when they are located somewhere as busy as construction sites can often be. Employers should ensure those working on the site are aware of any trenches and the threats they could pose to their safety.
The dangers
Here are some of the threats a construction trench could present:
- Collapse: The ground around a trench becomes unstable because of the hole dug. This is even more true if the trench is on a slope or if a lot of water enters the soil through rain or a spillage. Allowing people or machinery to pass too close could also affect the soil stability and prompt a collapse. Proper supports must be installed inside the trench and stability must be monitored.
- A fall hazard: People can trip and fall on a construction site, just as they can anywhere. If they fall into a trench, they could suffer serious injury and also injure anyone who happens to be in the trench at the time. The trench should be clearly marked and barriers used to reduce the chance that people on foot or in vehicles fall into it.
- Interior hazards: The excavation process can run the risk of damaging anything inside the trench, such as cables or pipes, potentially with serious consequences for the person hitting it. Turning off the supplies running in the area of excavation is often necessary first. Some soils also contain noxious gases or toxins that can be released during excavation.
Those injured by a trench accident need to learn how to claim workers’ compensation.
