Trench Safety Training

Trenching comes with many safety hazards that construction workers must be wary of. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) suggests that trench workers attend safety training to learn about potential dangers, how to identify hazards and ways to perform their trenching duties safely.

Benefits

Workers who have the skills, knowledge and competency to work in trenches are well equipped with the information and tools necessary to remain safe. Trench safety training reduces the risk of injurious accidents and fatalities by teaching workers how to be prepared for trenching mishaps.

Features

OSHA identifies protective systems, access and egress, and spoil pile placement as the significant safety topics that training sessions for trench workers should cover. For example, when training employees about access and egress systems, employers must make it clear that ladders and other means of egress must be used for all trenches that are over four feet deep.

Function

The employer, a project manager or construction engineer can facilitate safety training. A professional with a strong background and knowledge of trenches is most suitable to train others. Providing a fact sheet will help trainees retain information and remember what the rules and standards are for trenches.

References

• OSHA: Trenching and Excavation