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A ~ A <br /> Excavation,Trenching and Shoring Safety and the OSHA Excavation Standard - I... Page 1 of 1 <br /> INTRODUCTION <br /> Construction work is dangerous; and work involving trenching and excavating activities tends to be the <br /> most hazardous in the industry. Yet, we see trenching and excavating work going on all around us. <br /> Excavations are needed for the installation and repair of utility lines, replacement of water and sewer <br /> lines, swimming pool construction, even grave digging. Excavation projects vary considerably, each with <br /> its own set of unique problems. <br /> In 1971, OSHA issued its first standard related to excavations and trenching. Since that time, OSHA has <br /> changed the standard in a effort to reduce injuries and fatalities. Despite these efforts, accidents related <br /> to excavations and trenching activities continue to occur at a high rate: over one hundred deaths and <br /> thousands of disabling injuries occur every year. You don't have to lose your life to lose your livelihood. <br /> Accidents of this kind are most common in municipal and county governments, as well as small and <br /> medium size businesses. <br /> Many who work in construction will tell you that accidents should be expected—"it's just the cost of doing <br /> business". This is not acceptable. We must ask the question, "Why do these accidents continue to <br /> occur?" The answer can only be that the message is not getting out to those who need it most—the <br /> workers involved in trenching and excavation activities. Only informed and fully trained workers can <br /> recognize dangerous situations and therefore protect themselves. This booklet is designed to inform and <br /> educate those who must work in excavations and trenches about the dangers they face and the safe work <br /> practices that must be followed for their protection. <br /> http://www.afscme.org/health/excavOl.htm 8/25/2005 <br />