There are certain techniques in the trenching industry that will help to keep your work-site and your employees safe.
In the construction industry, which is already fraught with hazards and dangers, trenching is one of the most hazardous environments that anyone can work in. Trenching is used to hold up the integrity of a job site or a building to give it stability. While rules are in place to deal with trenching sites and government agencies like OSHA are in charge of monitoring, accidents still occur. When regulations are not followed or there is not sufficient training provided, it can lead to severe work injuries.
There are some techniques in the trenching industry that will help to keep your work-site and your employees safer when working around trenching and shoring equipment and projects.
Dewatering Utilizing Well Points
One of the biggest hazards of any trenching site is water. When you excavate a site, the key is to minimize any standing water, which can eat away at the integrity of the trench. To eliminate standing water, digging well points to drain is an excellent way to maintain the trench. Once a hole is dug into the ground, insert a pipe and a submersible pump to remove water, especially in sandy soil. The best time to implement this type of water control is three to five days before the excavation even begins. Otherwise, surrounding groundwater will start leaking into your working site. Also, make sure that you place the well points effectively and have the right number of them to accommodate for any water that results from the excavation.
Improving Working and Walking Surfaces
One of the most common ways for someone to hurt themselves in a trenching accident is by slipping and falling. To improve working and walking surfaces, it is important that you make sure that the trench floor is perfectly level for workers. Any dips can lead to someone losing their balance. Another way to improve walking and working surfaces is to add or spread rocks. Not only will the rocks help with drainage, but they will also make surfaces less slick.
The Competent Person
A competent person is an individual who has the capacity to identify the predictable and existing dangers in the workplace. He can clearly perceive the working conditions which are hazardous or unsanitary and pose a risk to the workers. He has the ability to identify the types of soil and design suitable protective systems. He possesses the authority to implement corrective measures to get rid of the hazards.
Trenching is a dangerous practice in the construction industry. To ensure that your worksite is safe for your employees and to keep things running smoothly, an ounce of prevention is totally worth it. Make sure to factor in things like the skill level of the management you hire, the working surfaces, and how to accommodate for different soils to keep everything running on time and as planned.
St. Louis Trench Shoring Services
With more than 70 years of experience, trust Luby Shoring Services. We strive to provide reliable service, proven innovative shoring and shielding products, and an experienced staff to supply working solutions for your project’s specific needs. Call us today at (636) 660-7467 or fill out our online contact form.
