Safe digging practices
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Published by SALUSWhile my knowledge base doesn't contain specific documentation on excavation and trenching operations, I can provide general safety guidance based on industry best practices to prevent cave-ins and ensure worker safety.
Before starting any shovelling or digging, it's crucial to contact utility companies to locate any underground cables, wires, and pipes. In many areas, it is illegal to dig without having these utilities located. This helps prevent damage to utilities and potential hazards to workers. [1]
Precautions against cave-ins may include:
- Sloping the bank to prevent a cave-in
- Shoring the banks with plywood, timber, or other materials to support the sides of a trench
- Installing shields or trench boxes
- Benching or making steps in the sides of the excavation
[2] The protective measures depend on factors like:
- The size and depth of the excavation
- The kind of soil (e.g., clay can break off in large chunks without warning)
- If the soil has been recently excavated (e.g., soil that is "loose" may cave in more readily)
- The water content of the soil
- Weather conditions (e.g., rainy, freezing temperatures
[2] Always wear proper protective clothing suitable for the task and work environment, such as safety footwear, gloves, and long pants. [1]
One cubic foot of soil can weigh over 45 kg (100 pounds), so even a small amount of soil falling into an unprotected trench can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Being buried up to the waist can be fatal due to the pressure exerted on the body. [1]
Always choose the proper tool for the task and ensure it is in good condition. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart to stay balanced and avoid twisting your body when moving soil. [1]
Sources used for this answer
[1] Landscaping - Shovelling and Digging
Page 1
Open source documentSource excerpt
CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Landscaping # Landscaping - Shovelling and Digging On this page What should you do before shovelling or digging? What should I know about cave-ins? ## What should you do before shovelling or digging? - Contact utility companies for location of the cables, wires, and pipes before digging. In many areas it is illegal to dig unless you have called to have these utilities located. - Wear the proper protective clothing (e.g., safety footwear, gloves, long pants, etc.) that is suitable for the task and the work environment. - Choose the proper tool for the task and make sure it is in good condition. - Remember that wet soil is heavy - adjust the amount of soil you put on your shovel accordingly. - Keep your feet shoulder-width apart to stay balanced and not slip. - Don't twist your body - turn your front foot in the direction you want to deposit the shovel's load. - Keep a loaded shovel close to your body to keep you balanced. There are many tips in other Landscaping OSH Answers documents. In addition, there may be requirements in your jurisdiction's health and safety regulations relating to excavation and trenching. Always verify the legislative requirements before digging. For more information on trenching and excavation, please see the OSH Answers: Trenching and Excavation ## What should I know about cave-ins? One cubic foot of soil can weigh over 45 kg (100 pounds) - a small amount of soil falling into an unprotected trench can lead to injuries or fatalities. Even being buried up to the waist can lead to a fatality due to the pressure exerted on the body. Landscaping - Shovelling and Digging CCOHS
[2] Landscaping - Shovelling and Digging
Page 2
Open source documentSource excerpt
# Landscaping - Shovelling and Digging (cont.) ## What should I know about cave-ins? (cont.) Determine if you have to take precautions against the possibility of a cave-in. Precautions may include: - sloping the bank to prevent a cave-in - shoring the banks with plywood, timber, or other materials to support the sides of a trench - installing shields or trench boxes - benching or making steps in the sides of the excavation The protective measures that you have to take will depend on various factors like the size and depth of the excavation, and - the kind of soil (e.g., clay can break off in large chunks without warning) - if the soil has been recently excavated (e.g., soil that is "loose" may cave in more readily) - the water content of the soil - weather conditions (e.g., rainy, freezing temperatures The precautions you take will be different if you will be working in the hole rather than standing on firm, stable ground at the top of the hole (e.g., post hole, hole for planting a shrub, etc.). The OSH Answers document Shovelling contains ergonomic information (e.g., weight limit, handle length, work pace). Fact sheet confirmed current: 2022-07-26 Fact sheet last revised: 2022-07-26 ## Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Landscaping - Shovelling and Digging CCOHS
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