Excavation cave-ins are a major source of fatalities within the construction industry. Trenching accidents on U.S. construction sites account for an estimated 100 fatalities per year, with at least 11 times as many workers injured. The fatalities account for nearly 1% of all work related deaths in the United States.

Utah State University may, during any given period of time, have several trenching and open excavations projects taking place throughout campus. Excavations are of particular concern for the Environmental Health & Safety Office due to the severity of the hazards associated with excavations and the University’s complex underground utility infrastructure.

USU employees working in or around trenches and excavations need to be informed of the safety requirements. OSHA places very strict regulations governing the design of a trench or excavation, cave-in prevention methods and employee training. The Environmental Health & Safety Office has a very thorough training program for trench and excavation workers, addressing topics from design considerations to inspections to protective equipment in an effort to eliminate all incidents at USU project sites. Please contact EH&S for additional information.