Christiana Antiga 
In construction, every task is important, from loading and excavation to trenching. These small tasks sometimes consume more time than expected and pose serious risks. Although every construction project or operation of heavy equipment machinery carries some risk, many tasks are exceptionally dangerous. Consequently, many operators and workers have lost their lives while working under tough conditions. Among these, cave-ins are the deadliest and can occur in an instant.
The fleet manager and the contractor need to understand the things and analyze them thoroughly. Especially before beginning the start on such deadly sites. Also, they are bound to follow the rules of OSHA. OSHA has set down the safety rules and regulations for heavy equipment operators.
It is the responsibility of the supervisor or contracroe ot make sure that every worker and equipment operator follows all the rules. It can be best for all involved in the construction process.
How tough and Hazardous are cave-in operations?
Most deaths caused by hazards on trenching and excavation sites are due to cave-ins. Soil can be compact enough to fit in a refrigerator, but still weigh as much as a vehicle. If the soil from a trench gives way and covers a worker, the results are usually death.
Despite the fact that the heavy equipment operators follow the rules strictly but even a single mistake can lead to severe consequences. Therefore the cave-ins considered the most fatal sites for operating the machine.
In 2022, more lives were lost in trench accidents than ever before in the U.S. According to the Department of Labor, 2017 saw 39 fatalities in trenching or excavation work, which is twice the number experienced in 2016.
Because of this, OSHA decided to increase its inspections and make sure that tougher enforcement was carried out everywhere.
However, stopping cave-ins is not only about obeying the regulations. It’s focused on saving employees’ and heavy equipment operators’ lives.
Significance of inspecting the soil
The assessment of the soil is the initial thing to do before excavating or trenching. Sometimes soil behaves in different ways. Certain shapes stick together, but others simply fall apart with very little force.
Soil is placed into four types by OSHA depending on how unstable it is.
- This type of rock is the most stable.
- There is type A (clay, silty clay).
- The second type is angular gravel and silt.
- Type C is known as the least stable type; it includes sand or gravel.
A qualified and skilled operator should examine the soil every day before work. Also, after any occurrence that may change the environment, such as heavy rain, working machinery, or vehicles near the site. A quick look and some manual tests help clarify if safety systems are necessary.
Use the Right Protective Systems
After you have the soil conditions, you can choose a protective system. OSHA requires protection for trenches more than five feet deep unless they are in solid rock. A registered engineer must design the system for trenches more than 20 feet deep.
There are three main types of protective systems. The first one is the slopin or also know as the benching. The fundamental task of this is the cutting the trench wall back at an angke to prevent the soil form collapsing.
The second one is shoring, it is for installing the support like hydraulics aluminium or timber. This shoring helps to hold trench walls in place.
Lastly, is shielding, this is use for the trench boxes or shields to protect the operator or worker if a collapse happen.
Regardless of the method employed, these systems need to be recalibrated daily by a qualified person or heavy equipment operator and recalibrated if site conditions alter.
It is equally necessary to have safe egress and ingress from the trench. OSHA states that there must be ladders or facilities for egress every 25 feet of lateral travel.
Ladders must project over the trench edge and should be anchored to prevent slipping. This little step can be a giant step in case of an emergency.
Do not overestimate the importance of training
They are just a few aspects involved in dealing with soil pollution. Training is vital and it needs to happen regularly. Anytime a worker is unsure, they should stop and consult a supervisor before entering.
Everyone in the crew should be familiar with the signs of danger in a trench and when to enter it. They must always wait for a trained person to examine any trench before they approach it. You need to have a protective mechanism set up or you cannot go any further.
Last Words
Cave-ins don’t give you a warning. They arrive unexpectedly and are usually irreversible. But with intelligent planning, good training, and regular inspection practices, they can easily be prevented.
If you are not sure if your trenching and excavation work complies, wait not. Consult with local safety professionals and review OSHA’s trench safety resources to ensure your worksite is as safe as it can be.
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