When performing a trenching or excavation project it is crucial to ensure that you are always following all appropriate safety procedures. Not being proactive and aware of the hazards that can take place on the jobsite can result in tragic incidents. In order to help others avoid such incidents from occurring, we sat down and interviewed Jarrett Patrie, Branch Manager of our Edmonton Trench Safety branch, to share some of his key safety tips. Keep reading for all his expert advice on staying safe while working in trenches!

What should be considered when determining how to make a safe excavation?

According to Jarrett, there are six main things you want to consider when you’re getting started or prior to beginning your excavation:

1. Hazard Assessment: The first thing he recommends doing is conducting a thorough hazard assessment which is a necessary first step to identify any existing hazards on your job site. Once you’ve identified all your potential hazards, you can then place control measures to mitigate those risks.
2. Call before you dig: Jarrett emphasizes the importance in calling before you dig. You want to make sure all your utilities are located, marked and exposed as required.
3. Depth of Excavation and Soil Type: Figuring out the depth, excavation, and soil type is vital information that will allow you to best decide the protective measures for your workers.
4. Surcharge Loading: Jarrett discusses the importance in considering if there any structures or activities near the excavation that may impose additional loads upon the soils.
5. Different Forms of Protection: He advises having a detailed plan to either shore, shield or slope the excavation to the required angle to prevent a trench collapse from happening.
6. Means of Egress: Lastly, he reminds us to take into consideration the means of egress. When working in a trench, you must remember that ladders are required no further then eight meters from the worker.

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