Preventing Injuries from Falling Objects in Excavations
The Problem
While cave-ins are widely recognised as a major risk in excavation work, injuries caused by falling or rolling objects are just as serious—and can be fatal. Tools, soil, rocks, or machinery falling into an excavation pose a constant threat to workers below. Today, we’ll review these hazards and outline clear steps to prevent injuries and maintain a safe worksite.
Identify the Hazards
- Improper Placement of Spoil: Loose soil or rubble placed too close to the edge of the excavation can roll back in.
- Unsecured Tools and Equipment: Tools, pipes, or materials can accidentally fall into the trench if left near the edge.
- Loose Debris: Soil, rocks, or other materials can break away from trench walls unexpectedly.
- Lifting and Digging Operations: Workers can be struck by materials lifted into or out of the excavation.
- Mobile Equipment: Excavators, diggers, or other heavy machinery working near edges increase the risk of cave-ins and falling objects.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
1. Proper Placement of Spoil and Tools
- Spoil Piles: Place all spoil (soil, rubble, and rock) at least 600 mm back from the edge of the excavation. If possible, place it even farther to account for settlement or slumping.
- Tools and Materials: Keep tools and materials well clear of the edge—secure them to prevent rolling or slipping into the trench.
2. Removing Loose Debris
- Scaling Soil and Rocks: Use suitable tools (e.g. rock bar) to remove loose or embedded debris from trench walls safely.
- Larger Loose Material: If significant loose material is identified, ask the excavator or digger operator to lightly scrape the walls to remove it safely.
3. Safe Practices for Lifting or Digging Operations
- Stay Clear of Loads: Never stand under or near loads being lifted into or out of excavations.
- Use Tag Lines: When guiding suspended loads, use tag lines to control the movement instead of getting too close.
4. Mobile Equipment Operating Near Excavation Edges
- Warning Systems: Use a combination of controls such as:
- Barricades or edge markers
- Spotters to help guide machinery
- Stop logs to prevent machinery rolling too close
- Barricades or edge markers
- Sloping Ground: Where possible, grade the ground away from the trench edge to reduce risk of accidental movement.
5. Wear Your Hard Hat
Always wear a hard hat when working in or near excavations—this simple step can prevent a life-threatening injury.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
On a recent job, a worker inside a trench was struck by a spanner that rolled off the edge. The vibration from nearby machinery had caused the unsecured tool to fall. Fortunately, the worker was wearing a hard hat and only suffered minor injuries. This incident could have been easily avoided by keeping tools away from the edge and storing them securely.
Employee Responsibilities
- Place spoil, tools, and materials at least 600 mm from the trench edge.
- Regularly inspect trench walls for loose debris and notify your supervisor if scaling is needed.
- Stay clear of suspended loads, and use tag lines when guiding materials.
- Report any unsafe practices or conditions immediately.
Employer Responsibilities
- Train workers on excavation safety and falling object hazards.
- Ensure operators are trained and equipment is well maintained for working near trench edges.
- Implement warning systems (barriers, spotters, stop logs) when machinery is operating near excavations.
- Enforce the use of PPE, including hard hats, at all times on excavation worksites.
Discussion & Questions
- “What steps do you take to prevent tools and equipment from falling into excavations?”
- “Have you seen or experienced a falling object incident on-site? What happened, and how was it handled?”
Encourage open discussion and input from team members.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit today to preventing injuries from falling objects in and around excavations. Before starting any job, check the spoil piles, secure tools, and ensure debris is cleared from trench edges. If you see a hazard, don’t ignore it—report it.
Wrap-Up
Falling or rolling objects are a serious risk—but they’re also preventable. By staying alert, keeping work areas tidy, and using the right controls, we can protect ourselves and each other. Thank you for your attention and for making safety your priority.
Standards Overview
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) and WorkSafe NZ’s excavation guidance, PCBUs and workers must:
- Place spoil and materials safely back from trench edges.
- Keep workers clear of suspended loads during lifting or digging activities.
- Ensure workers wear head protection (hard hats) wherever there is a risk of falling debris.
- Use engineering or administrative controls to reduce the risk of mobile plant near excavation edges.
Refer to WorkSafe NZ’s Excavation Safety Good Practice Guidelines for full requirements.
Disclaimer
These toolbox talks are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, health and safety, or regulatory advice.
The content reflects recognised best practices and general industry standards as at the date of publication. However, it may not be applicable to all workplace environments or specific operational contexts.
It is the responsibility of the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), as well as officers, workers, and other duty holders under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), to ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and WorkSafe New Zealand guidance.
The authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk disclaim all liability for any loss, damage, or injury arising from the use or reliance on the information provided. Users should seek advice from a suitably qualified health and safety professional or legal advisor for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.
Always follow your organisation’s policies, procedures, and safe work practices to manage risks and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
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