Above-Ground Hazards at Excavation Sites
The Problem
Excavation work often draws attention to underground hazards such as cave-ins or utility strikes, but we must not overlook the risks above ground. Overhead power lines, unstable surfaces, moving machinery, and falling debris can cause serious injury or even death if they’re not identified and managed properly. Today, we’ll focus on recognising these above-ground hazards and taking the right precautions to keep everyone safe.
Identify the Hazards
- Overhead Electrical Hazards: Contact with live power lines can result in electrocution or serious burns.
- Surface Encumbrances: Unstable objects like utility poles, boulders, fences, or trees may shift and fall when soil is removed nearby.
- Visibility Issues: Machine operators may not see workers if high-visibility clothing or traffic control isn’t in place.
- Moving Equipment: Workers can be struck or pinned by diggers, loaders, or trucks.
- Falling Debris During Loading/Unloading: Items falling from trucks, excavators, or containers can cause blunt trauma or crush injuries.
- Walking on Excavated Areas: Surfaces like footpaths, foundations, or driveways may collapse without warning if the soil below is removed.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Avoiding Overhead Electrical Hazards
- Look Up First: Always identify power lines before starting excavation.
- Control Measures: If power lines are present, consult with the Competent Person and contact the local electricity distributor. Power may need to be isolated or insulated, and exclusion zones established.
Addressing Surface Encumbrances
- Check Surroundings: Look for trees, poles, fences, or heavy items near the excavation that could become unstable.
- Relocate or Support: Use temporary bracing or remove hazards where possible. This must be assessed and approved by the Competent Person.
Improving Visibility for Machine Operators
- Wear Hi-Vis: All workers in the vicinity of mobile plant must wear high-visibility PPE.
- Traffic Management: Implement a traffic management plan including spotters, barriers, and signage if mobile plant operates in shared spaces.
Keeping Clear of Moving Machinery
- Safe Distance: Maintain a clear zone around operating plant at all times.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Never stand where the operator cannot see you—maintain eye contact or use spotters.
Preventing Falling Debris
- Stay Back: Never stand near the rear of trucks, skip bins, or loading areas when material is being loaded or unloaded.
- Secure Loads: Make sure all loads are stable before lifting or dumping.
Walking on Excavated Areas
- Assess Structures: Don’t walk on footpaths, driveways, foundations, or slabs where soil has been excavated below—they may collapse.
- Use Support Systems: Underpinning or temporary supports must be installed if walking on these surfaces is required. Only the Competent Person can authorise this.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
On a recent project, a worker walked under the boom of an excavator without realizing the operator couldn’t see him. A quick-thinking coworker shouted out just in time to prevent a serious incident. This close call reminded the team of the importance of maintaining visibility and safe distances from moving plant.
Employee Responsibilities
- Always check overhead and surrounding areas before starting excavation work.
- Wear your high-visibility clothing at all times.
- Maintain a safe distance from all moving machinery.
- Report any above-ground hazards or unsafe conditions to the Competent Person right away.
Employer Responsibilities
- Ensure a Competent Person has inspected the site for all overhead and surface hazards.
- Provide appropriate PPE, including high-visibility gear and safety helmets.
- Implement traffic control and exclusion zones where needed.
- Secure or relocate unstable surface objects before excavation begins.
Discussion & Questions
- What above-ground hazards have you seen on our job sites?
- How do you make sure you’re visible when working near diggers or trucks?
- Has anyone seen a near-miss involving overhead lines or falling debris?
Encourage open discussion and the sharing of past incidents—it’s a valuable learning tool.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to checking our surroundings above ground, not just below. Starting today, everyone must identify and report above-ground hazards before starting excavation. These steps are vital to keeping every worker safe.
Wrap-Up
Above-ground hazards are just as dangerous as anything hidden below the surface. With good communication, proper planning, and the right precautions, we can avoid serious injuries. Thanks for taking the time to focus on these risks—your awareness keeps the whole team safe.
Standards Overview
Under applicable Canadian health and safety legislation and best practice guidelines:
- A Competent Person must assess and manage all hazards, including those above ground.
- Employers must implement controls for mobile plant, overhead services, unstable structures, and falling object risks.
- High-visibility PPE, exclusion zones, traffic control plans, and electrical hazard management are mandatory where risks are present.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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