Excavation and trenching are essential to many construction projects, yet they pose some of the highest safety risks. Trench collapses, or cave-ins, can be life-threatening, making safety measures not only necessary but lifesaving. At Westside Construction Group, we take safety seriously, ensuring every excavation and trenching project meets OSHA's standards and best practices.

Key Hazards in Trenching and Excavation

Beyond cave-ins, trenching operations expose workers to other dangers, including:

• Falls: Unprotected trench edges can lead to slips and falls.
• Falling Loads: Loose materials or equipment can fall into the trench.
• Hazardous Atmospheres: Low oxygen levels or hazardous gases may accumulate in deeper trenches.
• Mobile Equipment Risks: Heavy equipment near trench edges can destabilize walls and create risk zones.

OSHA mandates employers to maintain safe workplaces under the standards of 29 CFR 1926.651 and 1926.652. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to protecting workers and ensuring smooth project progress.

Trench Safety Measures We Implement

1. Protective Systems
   Trenches over 5 feet deep require protective systems, such as:
   • Benching: Forming horizontal levels within the trench, though not used for Type C soil.
   • Sloping: Cutting the trench wall at an incline to reduce the risk of collapse.
   • Shoring: Installing supports to stabilize trench walls.
   • Shielding: Using trench boxes to protect workers from soil cave-ins.
2. Trenches over 20 feet deep require protective system designs from a registered professional engineer.
3. Competent Person Onsite
   OSHA requires daily trench inspections by a Competent Person who identifies and mitigates hazards. Westside ensures that each project has a trained Competent Person on-site, ready to make quick safety adjustments as conditions change.
4. Access and Egress Requirements
   To keep trench edges stable, we:
   • Keep heavy equipment and spoils at least 2 feet from trench edges.
   • Identify underground utilities before digging.
   • Test for hazardous atmospheres when trenches exceed 4 feet in depth.
5. Protective Clothing and Visibility
   Our team wears high-visibility clothing when working around vehicular traffic to prevent accidents and maintain a safe environment.

Westside’s Commitment to Safety

At Westside Construction Group, safety is integral to our culture. We’re committed to following stringent protocols, including daily inspections, atmospheric testing, and protective equipment to meet and exceed OSHA’s trenching and excavation standards. By prioritizing safety, we protect our team and maintain reliable project timelines, ensuring quality and security for our clients.