Excavation work may be needed to clear land for a new home site, to prepare a commercial property for development or other reasons. This process requires a deep understanding of the land, necessary equipment and relevant safety standards because excavation involves many hazards.
At Colonial Excavating, we take pride in being more than just your go-to excavation contractor — we are a team of dedicated professionals who prioritize trench excavation safety, efficiency and quality in every job we handle. We’re your premier excavating company.
Potential Risks Involved in Excavation Work
Excavation is a highly specialized job with a range of risks, including:
- Falling loads and debris: Excavation sites often involve large equipment, including loaders and excavators, which lift heavy materials to high heights. When materials are not properly secured, they can fall and cause crushing and head injuries to workers and bystanders below. Debris from the surface can also fall into excavated sites, causing injuries.
- Inhaling fumes: Excavating near existing infrastructure, like sewer systems or underground utilities, can release harmful gases. Without the right ventilation and equipment, these fumes can be dangerous to workers and people nearby.
- Flooding water: Excavation sites near bodies of water or in low-lying areas may encounter unexpected flooding. Water accumulation can create unstable conditions, leading to accidents or delays.
- Getting trapped beneath the surface: One of the most serious risks in excavation is cave-ins. Even a shallow excavation can become a deadly hazard if the soil is unstable, which is why safety measures and excavator emergency protocols are necessary to prevent situations where workers become trapped.
These are just some of the most common accidents that can happen on an excavation site, highlighting why workers should not work in an unprotected trench and why excavation fall protection and trench excavation safety procedures are needed for every job. When you work with Colonial Excavating, we ensure safety.
OSHA Excavation Standards and Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets strict guidelines for excavation work, which they define as any man-made removal of earth of at least 15 feet. Key standards include:
- Cave-in protection: OSHA mandates protective systems like trench boxes or shields. They also require that the sides of the excavation be sloped to a ratio of 1½:1 and not steeper.
- Safety-related equipment and hazard warnings: OSHA requires workers in narrow excavated spaces to wear a harness with a lifeline. If workers may be exposed to traffic, they must wear high-visibility equipment. OSHA mandates that hazard warnings, such as hand or manual signs, be used when mobile equipment is on-site.
- Soil classification: OSHA classifies soil into types A, B and C. Type A soil is the most stable, with an unconfined compressive strength of at least 1.5 tons per square foot (tsf). Type B soil is over 0.5 but under 1.5 tsf. Type C soil is considered the most hazardous and requires extra precautions, with no more than 0.5 tsf.
Failure to adhere to OSHA standards can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in fines and potentially even criminal charges. At Colonial Excavating, we stay up to date with these changing guidelines and follow all relevant regulations to ensure a safe environment and reduce your liability.
Protective Systems and Equipment
OSHA requires an engineer-approved benching and sloping system and engineer-approved trench boxes or shields for most excavating work. At Colonial Excavating, our services take the guesswork out of requirements. We make sure your excavation site is safe and meets all required standards.
Hire an Excavation Company — Not DIY
The risks involved in excavating make it a job best left to professionals. Colonial Excavating has the experience, equipment and safety knowledge to handle projects of any scale.
DIY excavation could lead to unsafe conditions. Our team follows all safety standards and uses the latest equipment to ensure your project is completed without unnecessary risks or delays. When you choose Colonial Excavating, you have the benefits of working with a local excavation contractor who takes the time to understand your needs, your land and the best ways to safely execute your project.
Our experienced crew is trained to handle every excavation task, from land clearing to material hauling, while ensuring compliance with industry standards. With Colonial Excavating, you can have peace of mind knowing your excavation project is in the hands of a premier excavation company.
Let’s get your project off the ground. Get in touch for a free estimate.