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 WorkSafe New Zealand expectations.
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
1. Entering and Exiting a Shored Trench
- Competent Person Clearance: Never enter a trench until the 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.
2. 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.
- Bent parts, cracked welds, or hydraulic fluid leaks.
- Report Issues: Inform the Competent Person immediately. Do not use faulty shores.
- Check Fluid Levels: Any leak must be treated seriously—loss of pressure can cause failure.
3. Shoring Installation and Use
- Correct Setup: Hydraulic shores must be installed and pressurised 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 Competent Person.
- Monitoring Stability: Watch for soil movement, load shifts, or loose components during excavation work.
4. General Safety
- No Adjustments Without Approval: Only the 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. The failure would have been avoided 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 authorised 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 Competent Persons conduct inspections and oversee installations.
- Train workers on excavation safety and hydraulic shore use.
- Respond quickly 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, using safe access procedures, and reporting concerns immediately. These habits are simple but critical—they protect lives and 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 Competent Person, and vigilance throughout the job are essential. Thank you for putting safety first.
Standards Overview
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the WorkSafe NZ Excavation Safety Good Practice Guidelines, employers must:
- Provide protective systems (shoring, shielding, or sloping) for any excavation deeper than 1.5 metres, or less if there is a risk of collapse.
- Ensure hydraulic shores are installed and inspected by a Competent Person.
- Conduct regular inspections of protective systems and equipment, especially after changes in conditions.
- Prevent workers from entering unprotected or unsafe areas at all times.
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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