Excavation Work Risk Assessment

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all excavation activities conducted on site, including but not limited to trenching, digging, and soil removal. It includes the use of excavation equipment and hand tools. Excluded are tunneling and underground mining operations.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment uses a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. Likelihood is rated from Rare to Almost Certain, and Severity from Negligible to Catastrophic. The risk rating is then determined by the combination of likelihood and severity, resulting in a rating of Low, Medium, High, or Extreme. Control measures are selected based on the hierarchy of controls: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	High
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	High	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	High	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	High	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Trench collapse due to unstable soil conditions.

Potential Consequences: Serious injury or fatality due to burial.

Affected Persons: Workers, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Use shoring or sloping techniques to support excavation walls.
• Implement a permit-to-work system for all excavation activities.
• Regularly inspect excavation walls for signs of instability.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

2. Striking underground utilities (gas, electric, water).

Potential Consequences: Electrocution, explosion, flooding, or disruption of services.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Use cable locators to identify underground utilities before digging.
• Maintain safe distances from identified utilities.
• Implement a dig permit system.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

3. Hazardous atmosphere in confined excavations (e.g., lack of oxygen, toxic gases).

Potential Consequences: Asphyxiation, poisoning, or explosion.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide adequate ventilation in confined excavations.
• Use gas monitors to check for hazardous atmospheres.
• Implement confined space entry procedures.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

4. Falling materials or equipment into the excavation.

Potential Consequences: Injury to workers in the excavation.

Affected Persons: Workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Store excavated materials away from the edge of the excavation.
• Use barriers to prevent materials from falling into the excavation.
• Regularly inspect the area for loose materials.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

5. Slips, trips, and falls around the excavation site.

Potential Consequences: Minor injuries such as sprains, cuts, and bruises.

Affected Persons: Workers, public

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Minor	Medium

Control Measures

• Use high-visibility clothing.
• Provide adequate lighting.
• Use warning signs and barriers to delineate the excavation area.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Conduct daily inspections of excavation sites to identify any new hazards or changes in conditions.
• Ensure all workers are trained and competent in excavation safety procedures.
• Provide adequate lighting for excavation work, especially during dawn, dusk, or night operations.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Ensure a readily available first aid kit is on site, equipped to handle injuries such as cuts, abrasions, and sprains.
• Establish emergency evacuation routes and assembly points in case of a collapse or other major incident.
• In the event of a suspected underground utility strike, immediately evacuate the area and contact the utility company and emergency services.

7. Training Requirements

• Excavation Safety Training: Workers must be trained in the recognition and avoidance of hazards associated with excavations, including trench collapse, underground utilities, and hazardous atmospheres.
• Shoring and Sloping Training: A competent person must be trained in the proper use of shoring and sloping techniques to protect excavations.
• Confined Space Entry Training: Workers who may be exposed to hazardous atmospheres must be trained in the use of gas monitors and confined space entry procedures.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident or near miss

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Daily	Site Foreman	Regularly inspect excavation walls for signs of instability, such as cracks or slumping.
Performance Indicator	Before entry and continuously	Competent Person	Monitor atmospheric conditions in confined excavations for oxygen levels and hazardous gases.
Audit	Weekly	Safety Officer	Review excavation permits to ensure all safety requirements are met.

9. Special Circumstances

• Adverse weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain, freezing temperatures) can affect soil stability and increase the risk of collapse.
• Night work increases the risk of slips, trips, and falls due to reduced visibility. Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
• Lone work in excavations should be avoided. Implement a buddy system or regular check-in procedures.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any incident or near miss or when significant changes occur.

Safety powered by SALUS