OSHA Excavation Standards

OSHA standards regulate how excavations can be performed.

The Occupational Safety and Hazards Act, or OSHA, identifies safety standards and guidelines regarding work site excavations. These standards are in place to protect the safety of the workers in and around excavation sites. OSHA defines an excavation as a depression, cut, cavity or trench in the surface of the earth that is formed by earth removal. The standards apply to all excavation sites, whether in cellar or on a roadway.

Hazards

The most common hazard associated with excavation is the possibility of workers being injured by a collapse. Other hazards include working with large and heavy machines, handling of hazardous or dangerous materials, working close to areas with a large amount of traffic, electrical hazards related to being exposed to power lines and exposure to underground utilities such as natural gas.

Covers and Supports

Covers and supports for trenches and excavations must be designed to withstand a truck rear-axle load of 20,000 pounds.

Marine Terminals Standards

Excavations in marine terminal areas as well as any surfaces in disrepair and ditches or pits must be guarded. The barricades must be readily visible using rails or other means that are just as effective as rails.

National Emphasis Program

A National Emphasis Program was introduced related to instructions for safety inspection of excavation and trenching operations. The instruction indicates that administrators and directors should ensure that the safety procedures are adhered to in regards to scheduling inspections. The instructions spell out guidelines that should be applied and what forms should be used when inspections are performed.

References

• OSHA: Trenching and Excavation