Why excavation safety is good for business and workers

By the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Office of Safety Services

Trenching and excavation work are among the most hazardous activities in construction, yet these risks are preventable with proper planning and investment in safety measures. Employers must ensure workers operating in and around excavations are protected through quality training, ongoing monitoring, and implementation of safeguards. By taking proactive measures, your company can not only comply with regulations but also foster a culture of safety that benefits everyone. In Ohio, excavation safety is governed by two primary regulatory frameworks: OSHA’s Subpart P — Excavations under the 1926 Construction Standards and Ohio’s Administrative Code Rule 4123:1-3-13.

Excavation safety goes beyond compliance; it’s a smart business move that protects your people and your bottom line. It’s about making a sound business decision that protects workers and bolsters your company’s operational efficiency and reputation. This article outlines the risks associated with trenching and excavation work, highlights the financial and operational benefits of proactive safety investments, and provides strategies to build a compelling business case for excavation safety.

The true cost of ignoring excavation safety

National and state data reveal the significant financial consequences of failing to prioritize excavation safety. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in the U.S., there were 240 workplace injuries involving excavation or trenching cave-ins in 2021-2022, with the most affected workers being younger employees in their first year on the job. Younger employees are more vulnerable than other groups often due to inadequate safety training and supervision. These incidents frequently resulted in injuries to the lower extremities, causing lost time and increased employer costs.

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) data from 2022 further highlights these risks:

  • 185 excavation-related injury claims were filed, with 30% classified as lost-time injuries.
  • The average cost of a lost time was $42,374, excluding indirect costs like lost productivity or employee turnover.

On a national level, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported over $10 million in penalties for excavation safety violations from October 2023 through September 2024. Common violations include failure to provide protective systems and inadequate site inspections.

Beyond direct costs like medical expenses and workers’ compensation claims, businesses must account for indirect costs like:

  • Training replacement workers
  • Delays and lost productivity
  • Equipment repair or replacement
  • Legal fees and settlements
  • Damage to company reputation

Hidden costs often outweigh direct expenses, impacting your bottom line for years.

Regulatory compliance and risk assessment

Under OSHA’s standards, employers are required to conduct daily inspections of excavation sites to ensure safe working conditions. These inspections must be carried out by a Competent Person — an individual with the training, experience, and authority to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.

Steps for proactive inspections:

  1. Daily pre-work inspections: Check soil stability, protective systems, and overall site conditions before beginning any work.
  2. Monitoring throughout the day: Conduct periodic inspections, especially after weather changes or shifts in soil conditions.
  3. Protective systems: Ensure the use of trench boxes, shoring, or sloping systems as required by OSHA regulations.

Proactive inspections are mandatory and provide multiple benefits, including ensuring compliance, reducing downtime, and creating a safer work environment. They also demonstrate to employees and stakeholders that safety is a top priority for your organization.

Building a culture of safety

Creating a culture prioritizing excavation safety starts with leadership commitment and employee engagement. This includes:

  1. Comprehensive training: Ensure all workers understand proper excavation procedures and hazard recognition.
  2. Transparent communication: Share inspection findings and encourage workers to report potential hazards without fear of retaliation.
  3. Recognize safety behaviors: Coach, acknowledge and celebrate safe behavior of teams or individuals who demonstrate exemplary safety practices.

Protecting lives, protecting your business

Investing in excavation safety is a strategic decision that protects both your workforce and your business’s sustainability. By focusing on training, regular inspections, and compliance with OSHA and state regulations, you can reduce injuries, avoid costly penalties, and improve overall productivity.

Seeking additional information about trenching and excavation? Contact the BWC Library at library@bwc.ohio.gov or call 614-466-7388. Looking for “boots on the ground” assistance to understand your excavation trenching risks and opportunities for improvement? Request a consultation with a BWC safety consultant today to build a safer, more efficient workplace – it’s included in your company’s BWC policy premiums!

This article was written by:
Andrew Hart, MSLS, MSS, OHST, ASP
Research Librarian, Ohio BWC Library

andrew.h.1@bwc.ohio.gov

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