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Trench shoring is subject to a number of legal and technical requirements to guarantee safety.

 

Trench shoring is a very common technique used in underground excavation. It is needless to say that it is also one of the riskiest aspects of construction and mining work, so it should be approached with foresight and extreme caution.

To ensure that the trench shoring is installed properly and works well, you need the
right tools and a well trained crew. You can ensure this just by employing the right kind of St. Louis Trench Shoring Services. Here is some information about the legal and technical requirements of a trench shoring project.

Legal Requirements

Trench shoring, just like any other construction project, is subject to a number of legal requirements mandated by law. One such legal requirement is that any trench which is more than 5 feet deep must have shoring to ensure worker safety. The types of procedures and tools that should be implemented for any specific project is determined mainly by soil evaluation, and also by environmental factor such as transport systems, surrounding buildings, protected green zones and pipelines.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements of a trench shoring project are determined by both the project specifications and legal requirements. Soil type directly influences the types of tools that should be used and how steep and how deep a trench excavation should be.  It is important to note that safety should always be top priority or primary requirement for any construction project regardless of its complexity, budget and time frame.

Safety and Health

Safety and health is the key reason why it is important to ensure that the trench shoring is installed correctly. It is a well known fact that trenches are extremely dangerous places to work in and each year, many accidents occur causing serious injuries and sometimes loss of life.

In the entire excavation process, the actual act of excavation is the most dangerous part, so most construction workers prefer using reinforcement methods that need minimal human intervention during the process. For example, hydraulic shoring can be installed with little human involvement. No one needs to enter the trench to install hydraulic shoring.

Benefits of Hiring St. Louis Trench Shoring Services

When it comes to trench shoring, choosing the right provider can make all the difference. Proper installation ensures that the shoring provides the best possible structural support. A competent and qualified St. Louis trench shoring services contractor should oversee the complete shoring installation process in order to identify any potential risks and to prevent them from occurring at the first place.

Call (636) 660-7467 :: Experts in trench shoring and excavation projects. Quickly complete any job while meeting OSHA safety regulations. Trench shields & shoring equipment rental.

 

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At Luby Shoring Services, we use a variety of trench shoring techniques.

St Louis Trench Shoring

 

OSHA aims at providing safe working conditions which are conducive for the health of the workers. To achieve this, it sets and enforces standards, and provides training, education, and assistance to the construction workers. According to OSHA, excavating is one of the most dangerous construction operations, and it has set guidelines and procedures for safe excavation work.

What Is Trench Shoring

Shoring involves the use of shores or props to hold up or support some unstable or weak thing. When the workers are excavating shoring systems are used for the safety of the workers and to speed up the excavation work. This is known as trench shoring. St. Louis trench shoring services uses various techniques, which include some of the following.

Hydraulic Shoring And Its Advantages

Hydraulic shoring consists of using hydraulic pistons which are pumped outward till they press against the walls of the trench. Usually, prefabricated struts and aluminum or steel wale systems are used in this method.

Hydraulic shoring is very popular as it is faster and easier to use. Other methods are generally used for long term applications and larger excavations.

Reasons for the popularity of hydraulic shoring:

  • It is more safe than timber shoring. The workers need not go into the trench to install or to remove hydraulic shoring.
  • Hydraulic systems can be easily installed by a worker as they are light.
  • The pressure is evenly distributed along the trench because they are suitably gauge regulated.
  • The trench faces can be preloaded and the movement can be prevented by using the natural cohesion of the soil.
  • They can be used suitably for trenches of different widths and depths.

Some points to keep in mind while using hydraulic shoring:

  • Install the shoring from the top and remove from the bottom.
  • Check the shoring at least once in every shift. There may be leaking hoses or cylinders, cracked nipples, broken connections, bent bases, or any other defective parts which may need attention.

Pneumatic Shoring And Its Limitation

The other type of shoring is known as pneumatic shoring. It performs the same functions like the hydraulic shoring, except that it utilizes air pressure instead of hydraulic pressure.
The major limitation of this kind of shoring is that it requires an air compressor to work.

Screw Jacks May Be Dangerous

In the screw jack system the struts have to be adjusted manually. So the worker has to go into the trench to adjust it. This may be dangerous. Moreover, it is not possible to achieve uniform preloading with the heavy screw jacks.

Single Cylinder Hydraulic Shores

This type of shores are utilized in water systems to give support to the timber shoring, and to give face stability in shallow trenches.

Underpinning To Reinforce The Foundation

In this, the foundations, adjacent structures, and various intrusions which can influence the excavation work, are stabilized. Underpinning physically reinforces the foundation. But this kind of work requires the expert guidance of a well qualified engineer.

St. Louis Shoring Services

When it comes to excavating projects, rely on Luby Shoring’s expertise. We’ll help you complete any job quickly, while meeting OSHA safety regulations. Call us today at (636) 660-7467 or fill out our online contact form.

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It’s important to regularly review the safety regulations that apply to you and your crew.

St. Louis ShoringConstruction crews have to be extremely mindful of OSHA regulations in order to avoid safety violations and fines. We all know that, right? Well, it turns out, it might be a little more complex than it may seem.

As this article from Equipment World illustrates, even though the crew pictured in the article is displaying trench safety that leaves a lot to be desired, they are “technically” not violating OSHA regulations. That’s because they’re city employees, and in this case, their safety regulations are set by a state-run agency.

Depending on the state, safety regulations and fines could be handled by OSHA or state plans, and the strictness of these regulations will vary between the states as well. However, the goal is the same no matter who is setting the guidelines. According to OSHA, “State Plans must set workplace safety and health standards that are ‘at least as effective as’ as OSHA standards. Many State Plans adopt standards identical to OSHA.”

Just because your crew may not be directly regulated by OSHA doesn’t mean you can cut corners or expect lower fines. In some cases, state regulatory bodies can be more strict and issue higher fines than OSHA. As a contractor, it’s important to regularly review the safety regulations that apply to you and your crew.

If you have questions about which shoring equipment is necessary to comply with regulations, contact us at Luby Shoring Services. We’re happy to provide site-specific engineering services and shoring solutions that will keep you on the right side of the regulating body that governs you and that keeps you and your crew safe on the job.

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The Department of Labor recently made several adjustments to penalties for various agencies, including OSHA. If your company is regulated by OSHA, you will want to make sure you are up to speed on these changes, as they could seriously impact your bottom line or slow down your projects.

Were you aware that OSHA adjusts their penalties to account for inflation? The last time they made an adjustment was in 1990, so this new update is a big one. The maximum penalties have been increased by 78%. The changes went into effect on August 1, 2016, but if the violation occurred after November 2, 2015 you will be subject to the increased penalty rate. Moving forward, they will be adjusted annually so you shouldn’t expect to see a jump like this again.

Want to know what these adjustments look like in dollars and cents? Here’s a quick overview:

Serious, Other-than-Serious, and Posting Requirements Violations – The maximum penalty for these violations was $7,000 per incident. The new maximum penalty is $12,471 per violation.

Failure to Abate – In the past, you could face a penalty of $7,000 per day beyond the abatement date. Now, you’re looking at $12,471 per day.

Willful or Repeated Violations – These hefty violations used to cost $70,000 per violation. After August 1, these penalties are $124,709 each. Talk about a major increase!

In addition to these changes, a new size category has been created to accommodate small businesses. OSHA will provide penalty reductions based on the size of the employer and other select factors. For more information on the changes and what they mean for you, visit OSHA.gov.

 

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It’s a reality that’s sadly far too common in the construction industry… collapsed trenches due to shortcuts and lack of adequate shoring equipment. The news is regularly reporting on these incidents, which almost always result in injury or even death. You’d think after seeing these tragedies in the headlines, construction companies would pay more attention to OSHA regulations surrounding trench digging, but unfortunately they do not.

When a trench does collapse, the first people that are called are emergency personnel such as the fire department. They put their lives in danger trying to save those that are trapped in trenches, and as a result, many of them suffer injuries as well.

According to an article on FireChief.com, “trench events have a mortality rate 2.5 times greater than all other construction-related events.” The fire department has a tough job to do, and that is why OSHA has specific guidelines in place regarding rescue situations, just like they have guidelines for trench digging. Fire departments must learn and follow these guidelines or else face penalties just like construction companies that fail to use proper procedures.

Of course, the best case scenario would be that all jobs utilize proper shoring equipment and follow all safety guidelines from the start of the project through completion. The fewer rescue situations that are required, the fewer lives are put at risk. We are more than happy to work with you on any job, and recommend the right tools to do the job quickly and safely without any OSHA violations. To learn more, visit our website or give us a call at 636-660-SHOR.

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Every business owner, manager, or seasoned worker has felt insecure at some point in their career. There’s usually a moment when you read about some new technology that you know nothing about, or you see your competitor offering something you’ve been meaning to research but haven’t found the time. In any field, it’s easy to feel like you have fallen behind. In construction, it’s especially hard because your day-to-day work is so demanding that trying to squeeze in time for innovation can be a challenge.

Did you know that October is National Learning and Development month? This “holiday” was created to encourage Americans to set aside some time to invest in growing their skills. Whether you go all in and take a continuing education course at your local trade school or simply check out a book from the library, the time you take to advance your skills will pay off exponentially.

Don’t know where to start? Start small and spend 15 minutes reviewing the OSHA website to refresh yourself on their recommendations and guidelines. While you’re there, sign up to receive their free QuickTakes emails.

After that, head over to the TED talk website and watch one of the 20 most popular talks of all time. We recommend “The Happy Secret to Better Work” by Shawn Achor. He discusses how working harder can actually lead to a greater amount of happiness and satisfaction with our lives. Many people have been inspired by his words.

Speaking of masterful speakers, Tim Farriss, author of famous books like The 4-Hour Workweek has written a new book called Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers. This book shares the insider tips from some of the most successful people out there, from celebrity entertainers to master engineers. Try stealing some of their habits and you never know… it could be the one thing that stands between you and your next big opportunity.

Whatever you decide to do to celebrate National Learning and Development month, we can guarantee one thing: the time will not be spent in vain. Investing time into yourself and your career, no matter how much or how little, always pays off.

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Winter is a notoriously tough time for those of us in the construction industry, especially in the Midwest, where things tend to slow to almost a stop once snow hits the ground. If you’re lucky enough to be able to keep busy with jobs during these cold, blustery months, there are a few unique challenges you’re likely preparing to deal with once again.

Staying safe on the job site is always something that should be in the forefront of your mind, but even more so in the winter where conditions can be more dangerous. Here’s a few tips to keep you and your crew safe, healthy, and on the right side of those ever-present regulations this winter season:

  • Dangerous Temperatures – When temperatures drop below freezing, you need to be especially mindful of real dangers like hypothermia and trench foot (a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to damp, unsanitary, and cold conditions). Make sure everyone takes breaks indoors to warm up, and offer warm drinks. If temperatures are too cold to work safely, call it a day. Better to fall slightly behind than risk someone’s health.
  • Icy Conditions – Like the risks described above, icy conditions can make it hard for the crew and the vehicles to maneuver safely through the worksite. Use caution and proper footwear to minimize risk.
  • Construction Quality – Certain types of mortar and concrete cannot freeze during the drying time. Paint and drywall mud take more time to set when it’s very cold. There are advancements being made, but having access to this technology is not always a given. Try to plan for the weather, which may mean planning for delays.

It can be frustrating working around conditions you cannot control, but such is life in the Midwest. If you need assistance or equipment on your next job, give Luby Shoring Services a call. Support is our business.

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If you haven’t worked with shoring equipment on a construction job before, you might be confused about some of the trench shielding and shoring options. It’s important to know what kind of equipment you need to stay safe on the job, and that’s why we provide helpful support to all of our customers on every single job. Our top priority is making sure all of our customers are safe at all times. It’s a dangerous job, and we respect those of you that put yourself out there every day without fail.

When it comes to digging trenches on the job, it’s important to know the difference between trench shields and trench shoring. Trench shoring materials are used to brace the walls of a trench to prevent collapse. Trench shoring can be attained using hydraulic cylinders and FinnForm—special shoring plywood—to protect the workers from getting covered in loose dry dirt. The hydraulic cylinders are pumped until the plates press against the walls of the trench, securing them in place. Sometimes, steel I-beams are inserted into the ground, and then steel plates are slid in alongside them. Depending on the type and length of the job, some methods are preferred over others.

Trench shields (also sometimes called trench boxes) protect workers while they’re working inside a trench. They adjust to fit the size of the trench, and are typically constructed out of steel or aluminum. Unlike trench shoring materials, they are not designed to hold up the walls of a trench; they’re just there to shelter workers from a potentially dangerous collapse.