OSHA: Working safely in trenches
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
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OSHA Trenches
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Summary Statement
A handout that has safety tips for working safely in trenches. Part of a collection. Click on the 'collection' button to access the other items.
Do NOT enter an unprotected trench!
Each employee in a trench shall be protected from a cave-in by an adequate protective system.Some of the protective systems for trenches are:
| Sloped for stability; or |  |
| Cut to create stepped benched grades; or |  |
| Supported by a system made with posts, beams, shores or planking and hydraulic jacks; or |  |
| Supported by a trench box to protect workers in a trench. |  |
| Additionally, excavated or other materials must be at least 2 feet back from the edge of a trench; and |  |
| A safe means of egress shall be provided within 25 feet of workers in a trench. |  |
