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Excavation and Trenching
Excavation and Trenching
Excavation and trenching continue to be some of the most dangerous construction activities. There have been 31 excavation fatalities in Michigan in the past two decades. The following resources have been developed to assist in protecting workers from common hazards associated with excavation and trenching. Excavation workers should never enter an unprotected trench. Always SLOPE it, SHORE it, and SHIELD it!
Resources
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Fatality Summaries
Worker struck by piece of frozen soil
Worker crushed in 7 foot deep excavation collapse
Worker buried by 10 foot deep excavation collapse
Worker crushed by 12 foot deep excavation collapse
Worker crushed by 8.5 foot deep trench wall collapse
Worker crushed in 8 foot deep excavation collapse
Worker buried in collapse of trench, varying from 15 to 22 feet deep
Worker crushed by collapse of 6.5 foot deep trench wall
Carpenter Dies When Eight-foot Trench Wall Collapses During Sewer Pipe Replacement
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Related Standards
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Other Publications and Resources
Trenching and Excavation - National Emphasis Program (NEP)
Excavations, Trenching & Shoring Wallet Card: Five Important Rules
Fact Sheet: Trenching and Excavation Protective Systems
Fact Sheet: Excavations by the Numbers
Accident Prevention Program (SP #1)
OSHA Trenching and Excavation Resources
Trenching and Excavation Safety