Trench safety starts with you

Author: Bryant Seymour
View of a trench at a construction site with an excavator and workers walking around

 

From June 16 to 20, employers and workers across the country have the opportunity to reinforce their commitment to safety by joining the 2025 Trench Safety Stand-Down. This national event hosted by the National Utility Contractors Association in partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, raises awareness to help prevent injuries and fatalities caused by trench cave-ins. 

Trenching and excavating remain among the most hazardous construction operations. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of workers lost to trench collapses rose by more than 46%. These aren’t just statistics – they represent the lives and families of real people who were tragically impacted by preventable incidents. In 2023, violations of OSHA’s excavation standards accounted for 4% of all construction-related citations and 9% of the total penalties issued. 

That’s why NUCA and six other industry groups entered into a national alliance, Partners for Safe Trenching and Excavation Operations. The alliance’s primary goal is to raise awareness of trenching and excavation hazards through outreach and communication. NUCA’s Trench Safety Stand Down is just one example of the important work this alliance helps provide to the American worker and the employers for whom they work to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.  

A group of workers in high visibility clothing and hard hats stand around a trench that has protective barriers preventing them from falling in as well as shoring inside to keep it from collapsing.

What can employers do?  

Participating in the Trench Safety Stand-Down is an impactful way to demonstrate leadership and prioritize worker safety. Whether it’s dedicating time for toolbox talks, reviewing safety procedures or emphasizing best practices, your involvement sends a clear message: safety comes first.  

OSHA's trenching and excavation webpage offers resources on trenching hazards and solutions, including a safety video. Employers can also benefit from our National Emphasis Program to get help in complying with our trenching and excavation requirements. OSHA standards require that trenches and protective systems be inspected daily and as conditions change, by a competent person, before work begins. Compliance assistance resources can also be found on the alliance partners' webpage. 

By proactively engaging with employees and ensuring trenching operations are done safely, employers can reduce workers’ exposure to cave-ins, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres and mobile equipment hazards. When employers prioritize safety, workers can go home safely at the end of the day. 

We encourage everyone to make the 2025 Trench Safety Stand-Down more than a weeklong event – make it part of your safety culture today and all year round.  

 

Bryant Seymour is a safety and health specialist for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.  

 

Categories: Safety and Health , Worker Safety and Health
Tags: construction , trenching and excavation (trench safety, trench collapse, trench hazards) , Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) , Safety Stand Down (#StandDown4Safety, safety standdown) , featured