Excavation collapses are particularly dangerous. They can occur quickly, limiting the ability of workers and others to escape, especially if the collapse of a trench, tunnel or shaft is extensive. The speed of an excavation collapse increases the risk associated with excavation work. The consequences are significant—falling earth can bury or crush a person in its path. This can result in death by suffocation or internal crush injuries.
This module provides training on safe excavations around safe storage of excavated materials, trenching, benching and shoring, and working around underground services. The module also looks at the dangers of asbestos-contaminated soil and silica dust.
This training challenges workers to think about injuries as a result of a fall, poor manual handling, working around powered mobile plant and managing worksites to only allow access to authorised personnel.