Trenching and excavation work are some of the most hazardous tasks on construction sites. According to Safe Work Australia, trench collapses are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Today, we’ll review how to identify trench hazards, apply controls, and follow best practices to keep everyone safe.

Why is Trent Safety Important?



• Trenches deeper than 1.5 meters can collapse without warning.
• A cubic meter of soil can weigh over 1.5 tonnes, making trench cave-ins deadly.
• Workers inside trenches are at risk from falling objects, hazardous atmospheres, and equipment nearby.

Common Hazards in Trenching Work.

• Soil collapse or cave-in — the leading cause of trench-related fatalities.
• Falls into trenches by workers or equipment.
• Hazardous atmospheres such as low oxygen, toxic gases (e.g., methane, carbon monoxide).
• Water accumulation causing instability or drowning hazards.
• Falling materials or tools into the trench.
• Heavy machinery and traffic hazards near trench edges.

Australian Legal Requirements & Standards.

• Follow Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations 2011, specifically Part 4.2 Excavation.
• Trench walls deeper than 1.5m require protective systems (shoring, battering, or benching).
• Regular inspections are mandatory — before work starts, during work, after rain or other events that may affect stability.
• A competent person must assess and approve trench safety measures.

Key Control Measures.

1. Trench Protection

• Any trench deeper than 1.5m must have protective systems: shoring, battering, or benching.
• Always inspect the trench before work starts and after any weather changes.

2. Safe Access & Egress

• Ladders or ramps must be within 8m of all workers.
• Entry and exit points must be clear and stable.

3. Atmospheric Testing

• Test air quality in deep or confined trenches.
• Ensure adequate oxygen (min. 19.5%) and no toxic gases.

4. Water Management

• Keep trenches dry—use pumps to remove water quickly.
• Avoid work during heavy rain or where flooding is likely.

5. Spoil & Equipment Placement

• Keep spoil piles and machinery at least 1m from trench edges.
• Set up barriers or exclusion zones to prevent falls or equipment getting too close.

6. PPE

• Wear hard hats, hi-vis gear, gloves, boots and any other site-required PPE.

7. Emergency Plan

• Have a rescue plan in place.
• Make sure all workers know what to do in case of a collapse or incident.

Worker Responsibilities.

• Always inspect trenches before entering.
• Follow all safety instructions and use protective systems.
• Report signs of trench instability immediately (cracks, bulges, water seepage).
• Never enter a trench without proper access and protection.
• Participate actively in safety briefings and raise concerns promptly.

Trenching work can be carried out safely if everyone understands the risks and follows strict safety controls. Remember, no deadline or pressure is worth risking a life — always stop work if you feel unsafe. Safety is a team effort.

At Fetch Recruitment, we prioritise safety with regular toolbox talks. If you have any concerns or need support, reach out to us anytime—we’re here to help.