ABSTRACT
Historically, various statistics have shown that about 50% of trenching and excavation specialty companies experience cave-ins. Utilities, wastewater collection, water distribution systems, and other operations commonly perform trenching and excavation work. Whether trenching or excavating, either operation is inherently dangerous. As a matter of fact, working around and in excavations is one of the most dangerous jobs in environmental operations, such as in wastewater/water treatment and construction industries. There is no room for poor judgment in performing excavation and trenching operations. Before beginning to trench or excavate, certain conditions must be checked. A trenching and excavation training program should provide the information necessary to ensure that supervisors and workers know the hazards. One of the danger signs to look for in trenching or excavation work is surface cracking. These cracks usually occur near the edge of the trench or excavation.
