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Excavations and Trenches - A Deadly Combination

Excavations and Trenches - A Deadly Combination
Everyone will agree with the fact that excavations are one of the most hazardous and deadliest professions. The primary reason for this is that a majority of the construction accidents and mishaps, mostly take place in trenches, that are anywhere from five to fifteen feet deep.

However, the most common hazard of trenching and excavation are injuries to workers from collapse. But sadly, the worst part about this scenario is that there are generally no warning signs.

It is here that any Hazwoper safety training course will tell you that it is extremely important to conduct a thorough soil analysis, in order to determine the accurate levels of sloping, benching and shoring.

Furthermore, a Hazwoper certified worker or employee will be able to identify the additional hazards that usually lurk around these trenches and other excavation sites. Some of them are mentioned below:

1.The inhalation of toxic fumes and substances.
2.Workers tend to suffer from Asphyxiation due to the lack of oxygen.
3.Potential fire break-outs.
4.Electrical dangers associated with overhead and underground wires.
5.Finally, working in close proximity to heavy moving traffic.

We can thus say that cave-ins usually make excavation and trenching operations highly dangerous. But, there is hope, for the OSHA excavation standards and policies have been defined to protect workers and employees, who are involved in excavations and trenches.

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