A Bathurst earthworks business has been fined $90,000 for failing to comply with work health and safety legislation. Two workers were injured during excavation work, when the side walls of a trench they were working in collapsed.
SafeWork NSW charged the business with breaching the WHS Act, for exposing workers to the risk of serious injury or death, as a result of the workers being engulfed in a trench that was not properly secured. One labourer was fully buried, and another had their right leg trapped in the January 2015 incident.
Fortunately no workers were permanently injured in this particular incident, but the outcome could have been fatal.
Executive Director of SafeWork NSW, Peter Dunphy, said excavation work was dangerous and businesses must take precautions when excavating a trench, tunnel or shaft.
“Under work health and safety laws, businesses must manage the risks of workers being trapped in a collapse when excavating a trench,” Mr Dunphy said.
Excavation and trenching poses numerous risks to health and safety, including:
- Unstable soil leading to collapse
- Trips and falls into an excavation/trench
- Contact with, and damage to, essential services
- Falling objects
- Engulfment
- Airborne contaminants
- Presence of ground water
- Loads close to the excavation edge
- Wet weather
- Adjoining buildings
- Vibration from plant and/or equipment
- Release of chemical gases
Undertaking Excavation Work
When undertaking any excavation work, it is important to:
- Assess the risks associated with the task
- Identify any underground services (e.g. contacting Dial Before You Dig on 1100 or via their website www.1100.com.au)
- Implement control measures
- Dig by hand to expose existing services before undertaking mechanical excavation
- Regularly inspect the area for signs of instability
Excavating Deeper than 1.5 Metres
When excavating a trench greater than 1.5 metres deep, in addition to the above, businesses and workers must ensure all sides of a trench or excavated area are supported by techniques such as:
- Shoring
- Benching
- Battering
On a positive note, the business fined for this incident has committed to spending over $2 million to improve safety measures, including additional staff training and engaging help to review safety practices.
But don’t wait until tragedy strikes.
WLSS are an Industry Supporter of Dial Before You Dig. If you need help or advice regarding earthworks and excavation in your business, contact us.
Excavator