Trench Crossings: CCOHS Engineering Standards
The Problem
Trenches are among the most hazardous areas on a construction site, and crossing them improperly can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. From slips and falls to equipment rollovers, unsafe trench crossings endanger both workers and machinery. Today, we’ll identify these hazards, review trench crossing requirements under the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), and discuss how to maintain safety when working around or crossing trenches on-site.
Identify the Hazards
Personnel Hazards
- Slips or falls into the trench
- Ankle and knee injuries caused by unstable or uneven surfaces
- Falls from height due to missing or inadequate guardrails
- Struck-by hazards from falling tools, materials, or equipment
Equipment Hazards
- Edge collapse caused by the weight of machinery near the trench
- Equipment rollovers due to insufficient ground support
- Structural failure of temporary trench crossing bridges or platforms
- Interference with trench walls, leading to potential cave-ins
- Equipment impacting workers in the trench during operation
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
To address these hazards, follow CCOHS trench crossing requirements and best practices:
Pedestrian Walkway Specifications
- Minimum 20-inch clear width to allow safe passage and emergency evacuation
- Extend at least 24 inches beyond trench edges to provide stability
- Use stable, slip-resistant walking surfaces with a safety factor of 4 (i.e., capable of supporting four times the intended load)
Guardrail Requirements (when 6 feet or higher)
- Top rail: 42 inches high and able to withstand 200 pounds of outward or downward force
- Mid-rail: Installed midway between the top rail and walking surface
- Toe-boards: Minimum 4 inches high to prevent tools or debris from falling into the trench
Vehicle and Equipment Crossings
- Must be designed and certified by a professional engineer
- Design must account for load capacity, ground conditions, equipment type, traffic flow, and environmental conditions (e.g., rain, snow, freeze-thaw cycles)
- Require daily inspection to confirm structural integrity and surface stability
Implementation and Maintenance
- Daily inspections by a competent person to check crossing integrity, guardrail conditions, and signs of damage, instability, or wear
- Immediate repair or replacement of any unsafe components
- Routine cleaning to maintain non-slip surfaces and remove mud, snow, or debris
Best Practices
- Planning: Place crossings in areas based on traffic flow, lighting needs, and environmental exposure
- Training: Instruct workers on safe use of crossings, how to recognize and report hazards, and their responsibilities under provincial health and safety laws
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A construction worker slipped on an improperly maintained trench crossing, falling 10 feet into the trench. The crossing had no toe-boards or guardrails, and the walking surface was worn and slippery. This incident resulted in multiple injuries and significant downtime for the project. Proper maintenance and adherence to CCOHS guidelines and provincial safety regulations would have prevented this accident.
Employee Responsibilities
- Use trench crossings as designed and follow all applicable safety guidelines
- Inspect crossings before use and report any hazards or damage immediately
- Avoid shortcuts — never step on unprotected trench edges or unstable surfaces
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize risks
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide engineered trench crossings that meet CCOHS guidelines and applicable provincial safety regulations
- Train employees on proper use of crossings and how to recognize related hazards
- Conduct daily inspections and ensure any required repairs or replacements are completed promptly
- Document all inspections, maintenance activities, and corrective actions
Discussion & Questions
- How do our current trench crossings meet CCOHS guidelines and provincial safety standards?
- What challenges do we face in maintaining trench crossings?
- How do we verify the integrity of each crossing on a daily basis?
- What is the process for reporting concerns or defects with trench crossings?
- How do we ensure that all workers are aware of trench crossing locations on site?
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to inspecting all trench crossings daily and reporting any concerns immediately. Moving forward, we’ll ensure that all crossings meet CCOHS guidelines and are properly maintained to protect everyone on-site.
Wrap-Up
Safe trench crossings require planning, engineering, and vigilance. Every specification exists because someone was injured when that standard wasn’t followed. Let’s ensure we prioritize safety and prevent those incidents from happening here. Thank you for your attention and commitment to keeping our site safe.
Standards Overview
- CCOHS, along with provincial and territorial safety regulations, governs trench safety across Canada, including requirements for trench crossings. These standards outline specific measures for pedestrian walkways, guardrails, and vehicle crossings to prevent falls, structural failures, and equipment rollovers. Compliance isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s essential for protecting workers from preventable accidents.
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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