Importance of Excavation Safety in Construction Sites - Know Now!

Excavation safety is a bunch of safety protocols and precautions that must be followed for all types of excavation work carried out at construction sites. In fact, safety in excavation goes one step ahead and includes identifying the potential hazards, assessing the risks and root causes and executing various control measures, such as warning signals, high-visibility gear, emergency equipment, etc., to minimise the risk.

The excavation safety protocols are crucial as they mitigate the risks and hazards that come along with excavation, saving workers and others at the site from fatal injuries and even death.

1.Prevent the Risk of Cave-Ins- Cave-ins are known to cause a large number of fatalities on excavation sites in India. They occur when the soil from the excavation walls fall into the excavation, causing the workers to get trapped beneath.

Even one cubic metre of soil can weigh as heavy as a car, leading to fatalities. In order to prevent such harm, safety during excavation is paramount.

2.Prevent Casualties on Site- Many times, hazardous incidents on the excavation sites, such as trench collapse, gas pipe explosion, drowning in waterlogged trench, etc., cause injuries and casualties on the site.

Having adequate excavation safety measures, ground penetrating radar, trench support systems and so on, can help to prevent injuries.

3.Compliance with Regulations—Appropriate excavation safety measures are also necessary to comply with the industry's regulatory and legal requirements. In India, two acts govern excavation safety: the Building and Other Construction Workers Act 1996 and the Factories Act 1948. Compliance with both acts is mandatory, which requires diligently following excavation safety measures.

4.Underground Utilities Destruction- In India, underground utilities, such as gas pipes, water lines and electrical cables, may many times be unmapped. Excavation on such sites without knowledge of their existence can cause gas leakage, electric shock, and flooding, leading to injuries and deaths.

However, if construction excavation safety practices such as marking underground utilities, using safe digging practices, usage of insulated tools, etc., are followed, it can prevent disastrous incidents.

5.Completion of Projects on Time- The occurrence of excavation site accidents leads to investigations, medical claims, etc., bringing the project to a halt. In such cases, the project timeline gets pushed further and it also causes financial losses by way of penalties and fines, medical expenses, etc.

Thus, by adopting safe excavation practices, the project can be completed on time and the cost is also minimised.

6.Prevent Loss of Lives- Unfortunate incidents on the excavation sites, such as cave-ins, gas pipe damage, low oxygen levels, water logging, untrained workers, etc., may lead to loss of lives.
While financial losses can be recovered, loss of life is irreplaceable. By practising the safety measures, many incidents can be averted and lives can be saved.

Also Read: 5 Safety Measure to Take to Ensure Worker’s Safety

Excavation sites are a dynamic environment where multiple hazards exist. Thus, following the best safety practices and taking proactive steps is the only way to mitigate the risks. Here are some factors to consider while preparing a plan for safety during excavation.

• Thoughtful Planning and Preparation- Before the digging work begins, it is important to devise a safety plan and strategy. Begin by making the necessary assessments of the site, identifying the potential hazards and determining which safety measures will be necessary.
  For instance, before excavation, if the soil type is found to be loamy and soft clay, there are chances of cave-ins. Accordingly, trench box installation must be planned to ensure safety during excavation.

• Excavation Dimension and Depth- Another essential factor to consider while chalking out an excavation safety plan is the depth of excavation. Usually, deeper excavations of more than 1.5 metres will require shoring, sloping, and trenching.
  These measures are crucial to prevent cave-ins and provide a safe and stable workplace. Besides, the trench must be regularly inspected to ensure complete safety.

• Soil Analysis- Determining the type of soil present at the excavation site paves the way for structuring the safety protocols to prevent cave-ins. Soil analysis also helps to determine the potential site risks, such as soil erosion, unstable slopes, the presence of hazardous substances in the soil layers and so on.
  Thus, the engineers and project managers can work the safety plans around these factors to prevent any mishaps on the site.

• Traffic Analysis- Sometimes, the excavation site may be near a traffic area. Considering the flow of traffic, the proximity of the traffic, etc., helps to create appropriate safety plans. For example, heavy machinery and equipment can be brought in during low-traffic hours to prevent any collision.

• Environmental Conditions- Many times, excavation sites are filled with hazardous gases and low oxygen levels. If workers are continuously exposed to these gases or if they do not receive sufficient oxygen, the results can be fatal.
  Thus, gas detectors must be used to monitor gas presence and levels. Besides, workers must get adequate ventilation and efficient respiratory protection when working in hazardous areas.

• Emergency Response System- No matter how much planning is done or how many safety measures are in place, emergencies come unannounced. Having emergency response systems, such as a rescue team on site, ladders and ramps, megaphones for communication, etc., can help to control the situation and prevent losses or injuries.

• Utility Presence- Many times, accidental strikes to utilities, such as gas lines or water pipes, can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. Thus, before beginning the excavation task, contacting the utility company for information or obtaining utility maps from the municipal office is a smart thing to do.

The workers or project managers must be trained to use utility detection technologies to prevent any damage and injury.

• Water Accumulation- Consider if the weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or nearby water bodies, could flood the excavation site. And if there are such chances, how can the water be pulled out?

• Presence of Structures Nearby- Inspect the area surrounding the excavation site thoroughly to see if there are any adjacent structures. If structures are present, check if they will be affected if the excavation is done and what measures can be taken to secure them before excavation begins.

Excavation work is not primarily a dangerous task. However, certain factors make it more dangerous than other work. Being aware of the dangers involved in excavation helps identify the safety solutions for it.

1.Cave-Ins- The most dreaded danger on any excavation site is that of cave-ins. It is a significantly dangerous occurrence that can not only leave the workers injured but may also prove to be fatal. It may also bring the project to a halt and cause financial losses to the contractor.

2.Utility Damages- Lack of awareness about the underground utilities can cause them to get damaged during excavation. When utilities, such as a gas line or water pipe, get damaged, they cause further damage by injuring the workers and even suffocating them to death.

3.Presence of Toxic Gases Underground- Many times, the underground soil may consist of hazardous gases, which can prove to be fatal. When excavation workers are exposed to such gases without appropriate protection and safety measures, it can lead to fatalities.

4.Objects Falling- Many excavation sites are bustling with various types of machinery, equipment and tools. At times, tools or machinery may accidentally fall on the worker, either brutally injuring them or killing them on the spot.

Also Read: The Role of Insurance in Construction Projects

• Use of Safety Systems- Evacuation sites can be made safer by installing appropriate safety systems such as sloping (cutting the trench wall at an inclined angle), shoring (installing support to prevent soil movement) and shielding (using boxes to support workers in the trench).

• Usage of Proper Equipment- Ensure that the site is equipped with ladders and ramps to help rescue workers if required. Besides, the workers must also be provided with equipment such as hard helmets, protective gloves, safety boots, high visibility vests and so on.

• Site Inspection- Appointing a qualified and competent individual to carry out site inspection is crucial to ensure that the site is safe after rainfall or after a vehicle has passed. It will help to prevent any accident or injury.

• Setting Up Barricades and Signs- If the excavation site is adjacent to a road or a busy area, it must have excavation safety precautions, like barricades, warning signs, rail guards and fencing. Open Trenches are especially dangerous and must be covered up properly to avoid any mishaps.

• First Aid on the Site- Injuries and accidents can happen suddenly. Hence, the site must be equipped with the basic first aid material. In case any worker gets injured, they must have access to first aid on the spot. First aid helps to contain the injury and prevent aggravation.

• Advanced Technological Support- Making an excavation site safer can be done effectively by using advanced technological equipment such as ground penetrating radar, GPS and GIS mapping tools, trench safety sensors, drones for site surveillance, wearable safety devices, such as smart helmets, vests with sensors, etc.

Also Read: Benefits of Industrial Safety for Employees

Proactive measures can prevent excavation site hazards. Some ways to ensure excavation safety are to predict the potential risks, implement effective solutions, and monitor the site closely.

Despite various measures and precautions, accidents and unfortunate events may occur at the excavation site, causing injury or death to the workers. Hence, workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory to protect them and provide assistance. TATA AIG helps you to fulfil this mandatory requirement through carefully curated insurance plans.

With our plans to rescue, you do not have to spend a huge sum from your pocket to compensate the workers for their losses. Instead, our workmen’s compensation policy offers them adequate assistance and coverage in case of any mishap at the workplace.

We understand the risks involved at various workplaces and offer customised plans to suit your business needs. With our workmen’s compensation policy, your employees get comprehensive coverage, which includes compensation for disability, injury, death, etc.

Besides, our WC policy is affordably priced to fit most budgets. Our plans not only assist workers during difficult times but also help you comply with the mandatory requirements. You can buy insurance of your choice in just a few clicks and secure your workforce.

You can also opt for any other business insurance policy we offer to ensure your business is safe at all times. Visit our website or contact our customer support team for more details on business insurance plans.

What is the role of a site supervisor during excavation safety?

A site supervisor can ensure site safety by ensuring that all safety standards and regulations are implemented on the excavation site. He must identify the hazards and address them before they occur. He is also responsible for ensuring that the site workers are appropriately equipped and trained to work safely.

Why is excavation important in construction?

Excavation is a very crucial process in construction, as it helps to create a stable and strong foundation for the building by removing the obstructions from beneath. It also helps to install the utilities safely, such as gas lines, electrical lines, drainage pipes, etc.