Safeguarding workers during trenching and excavation operations

excavator

Trenching and excavation remain among the most hazardous operations in the construction industry, but recent data shows meaningful progress. After peaking at 39 fatalities in 2022, trench-related deaths have declined significantly, with approximately 15 fatalities reported in 2023 and about a dozen cases in 20241. Despite this progress, construction continues to account for the vast majority of trenching-related fatalities, underscoring the persistent risk posed by unprotected excavations.

While these reductions are encouraging, they do not eliminate the inherent dangers of trenching and excavation work. As an industry, we must remain vigilant and committed to protecting workers by prioritizing planning, training, and the consistent use of protective systems. Contractors and employers play a critical role in preventing incidents by ensuring trenches are properly protected, hazards are continuously evaluated, and crews are empowered to stop work when conditions are unsafe. Sustained focus and accountability at the job site level are essential to maintaining progress and preventing a return to higher fatality levels.

Hazards:

Unprotected trenches pose multiple hazards and collapse without warning. These hazards can include:
- Caught between and engulfment hazards
- Struck by falling rock, material or equipment
- Hazardous atmospheres
- Falls

What’s behind the issue

The National Safety Council (NSC) recently conducted a survey to assess the state of the industry.2 They surveyed individuals performing the work as well as safety and health professionals. Key findings included:
- Lack of training on trench safety – 67.0%
- Indifference (e.g., “It won’t happen on my watch”) – 58.1%
- Lack of knowledge of OSHA 1926.650 Trenching and Excavation standard – 52.2%

The results showed there are deficiencies throughout the industry in training, education and awareness of the hazards associated with trenching activities.

What you can do

Most trenching and excavation injuries and fatalities are preventable. According to NIOSH, the most effective way to prevent trenching fatalities is to use trenchless alternatives, such as directional drilling/boring, pipe lining, pipe jacking, etc. 3

If trenchless methods aren’t feasible, employers must commit to immediate safety actions:
- Train employees on trenching and excavation hazards
- Designate a competent person
- Implement protective systems for trenches 5 feet or deeper
- Never allow entry into an unprotected trench
- Conduct refresher training (e.g., toolbox talks)
- Participate in Trench Safety Stand Down Week

Training and Education

Training is the cornerstone of a good safety program. Employers must instruct workers to recognize and avoid hazards such as:
- Soil cave-ins
- Equipment hazards
- Materials near trench edges
- Standing water
- Hazardous atmospheres
- Fall risks
- Entry/exit issues
- Nearby roadways or structures

Training must be in a language and format workers understand and should be documented.

Adhere to Excavation Standards and Regulations

Employers must also follow OSHA’s 1926 Subpart P – Excavations, which includes 4:
- Preplanning
- Utility location
- Site hazard assessment
- Competent person assignment
- Emergency action planning
- Soil classification
- Trenching techniques (benching, sloping)
- Safeguards (shoring, trench boxes)
- Safe egress
- Water accumulation management
- Hazardous atmosphere protocols
- Inspections and supervision

Call to action

Trenching and excavation is hazardous work. To help mitigate the issue, Nationwide developed a Trenching and Excavation Safety (PDF) resource (PDF) that offers an overview of industry best practices for trenching and excavation. Additional jobsite checklists include:
Nationwide Toolbox Talks are also available to support jobsite safety discussions:

Employers should review their trench safety programs and participate in national safety initiatives like Trench Safety Stand Down Week.

 

[1] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/osha-national-news-release/20241104
[2]  National Safety Council. Trench and Excavation Hazards: Insight on Newly Acquired Data and Managing the Risks (PDF). September 6, 2019.
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Trench Fatalities. June 6, 2019.
[4] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/laws-

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