Guidelines for Ensuring Safety During Trenching and Excavation for Trainee Instructors and Site Overseers
In a collaborative effort, a team of experts from Ohio State University Extension have developed a series of training modules for landscape and horticultural tailgate training. The author team includes Dee Jepsen, Program Director, Agricultural Safety and Health, Michael Wonacott, Research Specialist, Vocational Education, Peter Ling, Greenhouse Specialist, and Thomas Bean, Agricultural Safety Specialist.
It is important to note that any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Labor.
When it comes to the safety of employees working in the landscape and horticultural sector, proper design, construction, and placement of support structures play a crucial role in creating a safe environment.
Trenching and excavation work, in particular, requires adherence to specific state laws. While these laws may vary depending on your location, they generally include calling 811 "Call Before You Dig" to have utilities marked before excavation, following OSHA regulations for trench safety, and using protective systems like sloping, shoring, and shielding trench walls.
Key requirements across most states include calling 811 before digging to have underground utility lines located and marked, following OSHA trenching and excavation safety standards, providing safe access and exit points in trenches, keeping materials away from trench edges, and using protective systems on trench walls.
Additional state laws may specify timelines for utility response, environmental protections like erosion control during excavation, and enforcement protocols. To find the precise laws applicable to your location, you should contact your state’s utility notification center, review your state OSHA or safety regulation websites, and consult your state’s construction or labor department for any specialized excavation guidelines or permits required.
Soil, a key component in trenching and excavation work, can weigh more than 100 pounds per cubic foot, making it essential to follow safety guidelines to prevent collapses and protect workers.
The modules were developed with funding from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant Number 46E3-HT09. It is crucial for all professionals in the landscape and horticultural sector to familiarise themselves with these guidelines to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.
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