Before excavation work begins, employers must take several important safety and preparatory steps including:
- Determine the approximate location of underground utility installations such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, and water lines by contacting utility companies and using detection equipment if necessary.
- Notify and coordinate with utility companies or owners to mark or relocate utilities as needed.
- Thoroughly inspect the site and remove or support any surface encumbrances such as equipment, materials, or structures that could pose a hazard.
- Ensure protective systems such as shoring, sloping, or shielding are in place to prevent cave-ins.
- Conduct daily inspections of the excavation, adjacent areas, and protective systems by a competent person before and during excavation activities.
- Establish safe entry and exit points for workers, and implement measures to safeguard workers from hazards such as falling loads, cave-ins, and hazardous atmospheres.
- Provide employees with necessary information, training, supervision, and personal protective equipment relevant to excavation work.
- Install appropriate fencing or barriers to protect workers and the public from the excavation area.
- Obtain all necessary permits, authorizations, and notifications concerning the work.
These measures are critical to ensuring worker safety and compliance with occupational safety regulations before starting excavation operations.
