{"id":1374,"date":"2026-03-06T14:00:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T14:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/uk\/?p=1374"},"modified":"2026-03-10T01:50:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T01:50:37","slug":"excavation-safety-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hazardco.com\/uk\/blog\/excavation-safety-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Excavation work \u2013 what you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Moving or removing earth or other materials with tools or equipment is generally classed as excavation work. Excavations are used in a number of different situations, such as during the construction of buildings, building retaining walls, and installing underground utilities. It is important that when carrying out excavations that underground utilities are always identified first.<\/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<\/b>
\n<\/b>Also known as stripping excavation, this method is used to clear and level large areas. It involves removing unstable material like rock, sand, or topsoil so you\u2019ve got a safe surface to work on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pile Holes<\/b>
\n<\/b>These are usually dug with a backhoe, drill, or hydro excavator. Always cover and barricade 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trial Holes <\/b>
\n<\/b>This is when you dig small holes to locate underground services before starting bigger works. Just make sure those holes are <\/span>covered or barricaded when not in use \u2014 it\u2019s an easy way to prevent someone from getting hurt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trenching<\/b>
\n<\/b>Trenching 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 \u2014 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-scale excavations often need heavy machinery, so make sure you\u2019ve got <\/span>good traffic management controls in place too.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Excavation work is classed as <\/span>high risk under CDM 2015, no matter how shallow or deep. If there\u2019s any chance of collapse, you need to complete a thorough <\/span>Risk Assessment and <\/span>Method Statement.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to check out the HSE<\/span> guide to excavations, they outline what\u2019s expected on-site.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

When you\u2019re covering holes or bridging shallow trenches, make sure whatever you\u2019re using is strong enough to handle the weight, things like heavy-duty plywood or steel plates designed for that job.<\/span><\/p>\n