Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are much more likely than other excavationrelated accidents to result in worker fatalities. Other potential hazards include falls, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres, and incidents involving mobile equipment. Trench collapses cause dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries each year.

Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges. Keep surcharge loads at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) from trench edges. Know where underground utilities are located. Test for low oxygen, hazardous fumes and toxic gases. Inspect trenches at the start of each shift. Inspect trenches following a rainstorm. Do not work under raised loads.