Working in and around trenches exposes you to significant hazards such as falls, falling loads, mobile equipment incidents, and cave-ins. Conditions can change rapidly, making it critical to have a plan for exiting the trench. Your survival may depend on how quickly you can locate an egress and climb out. Here are some quick tips and requirements for trench egress.
Toolbox talk | Trench safety
Toolbox talk | Trench safety
Trench safety: Egress
What you need to know
Safety tips and requirements for trench egress:
- Never enter a trench that has not been inspected by a competent person, is not properly protected, or does not have adequate egress.
- If a trench is 4 feet deep or greater, ladders, stairways, ramps or other safe means of egress must be provided.
Ladders:
- If ladders are used, they must extend 3 feet above the edge of the trench.
- Ladders should be secured in place.
- Ladders or other means of egress must be positioned within 25 lateral feet of workers. This could require multiple ladders depending on the length of the trench and position of workers.
- If a trench is 5 feet deep or greater, ensure ladders are located within approved trench protective systems.
Ramps:
- If structural ramps are used, they:
- Must be designed by a competent person
- Should be uniform thickness and joined to prevent trip and falls
- Should have non-slip surfaces
- Earthen ramps can only be used if designed and evaluated by a competent person and allow the worker to walk in an upright position.
Why trench safety matters
Working within trenches can pose significant hazards workers. Annual fatalities have increased from an average of 21 per year from 2011-2018 to 39 in 2022 alone,2 with construction accounting for more than 80% of those deaths.1
Understand the hazards and know basic egress components that should be in place before you enter a trench.
Confirm review of this toolbox talks article.
More resources
Supplement this talk: Trenching and excavation safety (PDF)
Jobsite checklists: Excavation pre-planning checklist (PDF) and Daily excavation checklist (PDF)
More on this topic: Safeguarding workers during trenching and excavation operations
Construction resources: Construction Risk Management
[1] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Trenching and Excavation Safety. February 23, 2024.
[2] U.S. Department of Labor. State Agencies, Industry Leaders Launch Campaign to Educate Workers of Deadly Excavation Hazards.
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