Anthony LaFaziaCEO, Atlantic Training · CEO at Atlantic Training | EdTech & Safety Compliance Leader

Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Safety: Proper Digging Procedures

30 Sept 2024 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

1:20

YouTube safety video (Anthony LaFazia) on excavation, trenching, and shoring best practices focused on OSHA-driven requirements and the “54321” rule. The speaker cites trenching fatality statistics (average 28/year; 2022 ≈40; 2021=15; 2023=20), describes OSHA’s heightened enforcement after 2022, and summarizes the 54321 rule: trenches ≥5 ft require an approved protective system; trenches <5 ft may omit a system if a competent person approves; ladders are required for trenches deeper than 4 ft and must extend 3 ft above the trench; spoil piles must be kept ≥2 ft from the trench edge; and one competent person must be present on site at all times to identify/mitigate hazards.

Questions this video answers

28 per year (average).

About 40 (2022).

2021: 15; 2023: 20.

Five feet or more.

A competent person.

Chapters

The importance of following all proper digging procedures can't be overlooked. Trenchant kills an average 28 workers every year, but 2022 was detrimental to the average with almost 40 trench related fatalities reported. In 2021 there were 15 and in 2023 there were 20. 2022's tragic spike in fatality sparked a significant push from OSHA to ensure proper protocols and procedures are being followed during operations and severe penalties when they are not. The best way to remember best digging practices is to follow the 54321 rule. Any trench five or more feet deep must use one of the protective systems previously described to prevent collapse. If the trench is under five feet deep, the decision to not use a system should be made by a competent person. A ladder for entry and exit needs to be in place for any trench deeper than 4ft, and the ladder needs to extend 3ft beyond the trench opening for ease of access. The spoil pile must be kept at least two feet from the edge of the trench. Finally, one competent person needs to be on site at all times to identify and mitigate hazards. It.