Excavations and trenches have become so commonplace on work sites that some employers and employees have developed a sense of complacency with some of the most basic requirements of excavation safety.

The key to safe excavations between 5 and 20 feet deep is that the work be supervised closely by a trained, competent person. (Trenches 20 feet or deeper require a safety system devised by a ...

Contractors can often develop their own shoring designs for trench excavations. However, excavations near adjacent structures, underground utilities and roadways may come with unique and complex ...

This column has previously presented technical issues related to the residential concrete foundation industry. In 2018, we turn to a range of topics related to OSHA regulations and their ...

Electric transmission and distribution systems deliver power to communities, businesses and consumers across millions of miles of lines through a mix of overhead and underground infrastructure. The ...

Trenching and excavation continue to place workers in the construction and utility industries in dangerous positions. The private construction industry was responsible for 80% of trenching fatalities ...

United Rentals, Inc., an equipment rental company, has launched its Excavation Safety Training for Competent Persons Program, offering an interactive approach to teaching trench and excavation safety.

OSHA began an inspection of the worksite on April 8 after being notified of unsafe conditions. Investigators observed employees exposed to cave-in hazards at two excavated sites. The agency issued two ...