How to Promote Safety in Excavation and Prevent Trench Hazards
Statistics from the Bureau of Labor show that an average of 25 workers are tragically killed in trench-related accidents each year, with cave-ins being responsible for 75% of these unfortunate, but preventable deaths. Additionally, trench collapses cause hundreds of worker injuries each year, all equally preventable.
With Carter Rental’s full line of trench shoring equipment and systems, you can avoid the devastating effects of collapses and other trench-related worksite incidents.
Protective Systems Reduce Trench and Excavation Dangers
While trenches pose many dangers, there are specific and well-documented ways to prevent hazards from taking lives or causing injury, including:
- Sloping and Benching
- Hydraulic Shoring
- Protective Shielding
Sloping and Benching
When you cut back a trench wall at an appropriately inclined angle, you prevent cave-ins during excavation. Implementing sloping and benching involves classifying soil and rock types using the official standards set by OSHA. Using these guidelines, you can determine the optimal angle for reducing cave-ins and keep workers out of harm’s way.
Hydraulic Shoring
An aluminum hydraulic shoring system installs supports to prevent soil movement and cave-ins. Old timber shoring tactics have been replaced with aluminum railing and cylinders that pressurize trench walls. The two main types of hydraulic shoring systems include vertical shores and horizontal walers. Both create an “arching” effect with adjacent soil that prevents wall collapses.
Protective Shielding
Protective shielding means utilizing trench boxes to prevent soil cave-ins and protect workers from injury and death. Whether made of steel or aluminum, these structures are designed to withstand the force of cave-ins, should they occur, and keep them from becoming injurious or fatal.
Rent Protective Systems through Carter Rental
Working in a trench is fraught with hazards and dangers. Only by having competent people on the job site, following OSHA guidelines, understanding soil types, and using a protective system which is inspected regularly can you hope to avoid cave-ins and the tragic injuries and fatalities they cause.
Whether you’re digging trenches for the installation or repair of sewage or water lines, natural gas pipelines, telecommunication cables, or underground structures, Carter Rental’s trench shoring solutions will keep walls intact and workers safe.
Gain insight into trench safety and rent protective systems by contacting Carter Rental to make your site a safe place to do your essential work.