Excavations and Trenches
Excavation work generally means work involving the removal of soil or rock from a site to form an open face, hole or cavity using tools, machinery or explosives.
A Contractor undertaking excavation or trenching work must manage risks associated with all kinds of excavations no matter how deep.
Specific duties apply in relation to the higher-risk excavations such as trenches, shafts and tunnels.
Any construction work (including any work connected with an ‘excavation’) that is carried out in or near:
- a shaft or trench with an excavated depth of greater than 1.5 metres, or
- a tunnel
is considered to be ‘high risk construction work’ for which a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must be prepared.
Further guidance on the duties related to high risk construction work and SWMS is available in the Code of Practice: Construction Work.
Before commencement of any excavation or trenching work, the Contractor must complete a JSA with the relevant personnel. The Contractor must also ensure that the identified control measures are implemented.
Before commencing excavation or trenching work, Contractors must: