The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) joins the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) in presenting the Trench Safety Stand Down (TSSD) from June 14-18, 2021. 

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows that around 25 workers are killed each year in trench-related accidents. OSHA and NUCA hold TSSD to provide information about best practices and safety procedures to trench and excavation workers to prevent injuries and save lives.

A safety stand down takes place when supervisors and employees get together to focus on work hazards and how protect against them. Topics for TSSD week include:

Testing for atmospheric fumes and gases

Keeping heavy equipment away from trenches

Knowing where underground utilities are located before digging

Preventing cave-ins

Inspecting trenches at the start of each shift, after rainstorms, and after any occurrence that could have changes conditions in the trench

Protective systems of benching, sloping, shoring, and shielding