{"id":529,"date":"2026-03-06T13:00:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T13:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/nz\/?p=529"},"modified":"2026-03-10T01:47:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T01:47:06","slug":"excavation-work-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/nz\/blog\/different-types-of-excavations-and-managing-the-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"Excavation work \u2013 what you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Excavation work means moving or removing soil, rock, or other materials with tools or machinery. You\u2019ll come across it on most construction sites whether you\u2019re building a new home, putting in a retaining wall, or laying underground services. Before you start digging, always check for underground utilities. Taking the time to plan ahead keeps everyone safe and helps avoid costly damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common types of excavation<\/b><\/h2>\n

Here are a few types of excavation you\u2019ll often come across in residential construction:<\/span><\/p>\n

Cut & Fill (Stripping excavation)<\/b>
\n<\/b>This method is used to clear and level large areas of land. It involves removing unstable material like rock, sand, or topsoil so you\u2019ve got a safe and stable surface to build\/work on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pile Holes<\/b>
\n<\/b>These are usually dug with a backhoe, drill, or hydro excavator. Always cover and secure pile holes as soon as possible, and make sure only those involved in the work are nearby. Keep an eye on any water buildup and pump it out if needed before continuing work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Potholing<\/b>
\n<\/b>Potholing<\/span><\/a> is when you dig small holes to locate underground services before starting bigger works. Just make sure those holes are covered or secured when not in use. It\u2019s an easy way to prevent someone from getting hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trenching<\/b>
\n<\/b>Trenching<\/span><\/a> is used to install or replace underground utilities, build retaining walls, or check what\u2019s under the surface. Trenches are long, narrow, and deeper than they are wide, which means they can be risky. The safest method depends on the depth, soil type, and what\u2019s around it, so always take care and plan it out properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Large excavations often need heavy machinery, so make sure you\u2019ve got good traffic management controls in place too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Managing the risk<\/b><\/h2>\n

Excavation work is classed as high risk, no matter how shallow or deep. Even a small collapse can cause serious injury or damage, so it\u2019s essential to plan ahead and put the right controls in place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you start, complete a Task Analysis in the HazardCo App to help identify, assess, and control the risks associated with your excavation work. It\u2019s also worth checking out WorkSafe NZ\u2019s <\/span>Good Practice Guidelines for Excavation Safety<\/span><\/a>, which outline what\u2019s expected on-site.<\/span><\/p>\n

Covering or bridging<\/b><\/h3>\n

When covering holes or bridging shallow trenches:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n