Safety When Using Aluminum Hydraulic Shores in Excavations
The Problem
Excavation work is one of the most hazardous tasks in the construction industry. Cave-ins remain a leading cause of fatalities, and aluminium hydraulic shores, while effective, can fail if not used correctly. Improper setup, damaged components, or poor entry practices can lead to injury or death. Today, we’ll discuss the hazards of aluminium hydraulic shoring, safe use procedures, and the responsibilities of both workers and employers under the expectations set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and provincial regulations.
Identify the Hazards
- Cave-ins:
Entering unshored or improperly protected trenches risks burial and suffocation. A single cubic metre of soil can weigh over 1,200 kg—more than enough to cause death or serious injury.
- Hydraulic System Failures:
Leaks or damaged components can cause pressure loss, making the shores unstable. A failure can lead to sudden collapse of trench walls.
- Unsafe Entry/Exit:
Climbing on spreader bars or entering without a ladder increases the risk of falls or injury. Entering areas beyond the shoring protection is extremely hazardous.
- Falling Materials:
Tools or debris falling from the edge can strike workers in the trench.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
- Entering and Exiting a Shored Trench
- Qualified Competent Person Clearance: Never enter a trench until the qualified competent person confirms it is safe.
- Avoid Unshored Areas: Stay within protected zones—do not move into unshored sections.
- Access Equipment: Use a secured ladder or other approved access—never climb on spreaders or hydraulic components.
- Inspecting Hydraulic Shores
- Pre-Use Inspections: Look for:
- Bent parts, cracked welds, or hydraulic fluid leaks.
- Damaged cylinders, pins, or spreader bars.
- Loose or damaged timber or plywood if attached.
- Report Issues: Inform the qualified competent person immediately. Do not use faulty shores.
- Check Fluid Levels: Any leak must be treated seriously—loss of pressure can cause failure.
- Pre-Use Inspections: Look for:
- Shoring Installation and Use
- Correct Setup: Hydraulic shores must be installed and pressurized correctly before workers enter.
- Excavation Below Shores: Digging below the base of the shoring system (up to 600 mm) is only allowed if approved by the qualified competent person.
- Monitoring Stability: Watch for soil movement, load shifts, or loose components during excavation work.
- General Safety
- No Adjustments Without Approval: Only the qualified competent person should make or approve any adjustments.
- Continuous Monitoring: Shores should be inspected frequently throughout the workday.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A trench crew once skipped pre-use inspections and missed a minor hydraulic fluid leak. Midway through the job, the pressure dropped, and the trench wall caved in, burying a worker up to his waist. Quick action saved his life, but the situation could have ended much worse. This failure could have been prevented by conducting proper inspections and monitoring the equipment.
Employee Responsibilities
- Inspect hydraulic shores and cylinders before use.
- Always enter and exit trenches using ladders or authorized access points.
- Report all leaks, damage, or hazards immediately.
- Never move beyond the protection of the shoring system.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide and maintain approved hydraulic shoring systems.
- Ensure qualified competent persons conduct inspections and oversee installations.
- Train workers on excavation safety and the proper use of hydraulic shores.
- Respond promptly to any reported issues or faulty equipment.
Discussion & Questions
- Has anyone ever encountered issues with hydraulic shores during trenching work?
- What do you always check for during your pre-use inspection?
Encourage workers to share examples and ask for clarification — it strengthens team awareness.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit today to thoroughly inspecting aluminium hydraulic shores before use, following safe access procedures, and reporting concerns immediately. These habits are simple but critical—they protect lives and help ensure we all go home safely.
Wrap-Up
Aluminium hydraulic shores are a trusted and effective protective system, but they’re only safe when used correctly. Inspections, approvals from the qualified competent person, and vigilance throughout the job are essential. Thank you for putting safety first.
Standards Overview
Under the Canada Labour Code and applicable provincial occupational health and safety regulations, supported by guidance from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), employers must:
- Provide protective systems (shoring, shielding, or sloping) for any excavation deeper than 1.2 metres (4 feet), or less if there is a risk of collapse.
- Ensure hydraulic shores are installed and inspected by a qualified competent person.
- Conduct regular inspections of protective systems and equipment, especially after changes in site conditions.
- Prevent workers from entering unprotected or unsafe areas at all times.
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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