EXCAVATION SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Control collapse, underground utilities and heavy equipment hazards.
Hazards, control measures and daily pre-work verification.
Toolbox Topic
EXCAVATION SAFETY TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 MINUTES
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Prevent trench collapse, utility strikes, falls and equipment hazards during excavation work.
TOPIC EXPLANATION
Verify permits and underground utilities before excavation.
Provide sloping, shoring or trench boxes where required.
Inspect excavations daily and after weather or ground changes.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
Workers entered an unsupported trench.
The sidewall collapsed after equipment vibration.
Proper trench protection would have prevented the incident.
REMEMBER
Never enter an unprotected excavation.
KEY HAZARDS
Collapse
Underground utilities
Flooding
Heavy equipment
Falls
Falling material
Poor access
Atmospheric hazards
CONTROL MEASURES
Verify permit.
Locate underground services.
Use trench protection.
Provide ladders.
Barricade excavation.
Keep spoil away from edge.
Maintain equipment clearance.
Inspect after rain.
Gas test if required.
Prepare emergency plan.
SUPERVISOR TALKING SCRIPT
No one will enter an excavation until permits, trench protection and access have been verified.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Is the permit approved?
Are utilities identified?
Is trench protection installed?
Is access safe?
Is barricading complete?
What is the emergency escape route?
VERIFY BEFORE STARTING TODAY
Permit approved
Utilities identified
Protection installed
Ladder available
Barricaded
Ground stable
Gas checked
Equipment clear
Standby ready
Emergency plan
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
Presented by
Work area
Attendance and Signature
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource — Excavation Safety