Recognizing Soil Distress in Excavations

Trenching & Excavation Safety
English (US)

The Problem

Excavations are among the most hazardous environments in construction. One of the leading causes of fatalities in trenching and excavation work is cave-ins caused by soil movement or failure. Even with protective systems in place, soil distress can occur, and if it’s not recognized and addressed early, it can lead to catastrophic incidents. It is crucial for every worker to identify the warning signs of soil distress and report them to the Competent Person immediately. Today, we’ll discuss how to spot soil distress and what actions to take to keep everyone safe.

Identify the Hazards

  1. Tension Cracks:
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    • Appears near the top edge of the excavation, often halfway to three-quarters of the depth.
  2. Bulging and Subsidence:
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    • Bulging: The face of the excavation pushes outward.
    • Subsidence: The top edge of the excavation sinks below the surrounding area.
  3. Heaving:
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    • Soil at the bottom of the excavation rises upward due to pressure.

Safety Practices and Preventative Measures

1. Tension Cracks

  • What to Look For: Cracks along the top edge of the excavation.
  • Why It’s Important: Indicates the soil is stressed and may slide into the excavation.
  • Action to Take:
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    • Notify the Competent Person immediately.
    • Adjust the slope or protective system as necessary.

2. Bulging and Subsidence

  • What to Look For:
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    • Bulging: Outward push of the excavation walls.
    • Subsidence: Sinking at the excavation edge.
  • Why It’s Important: Shifting soil signals instability, increasing the risk of collapse.
  • Action to Take:
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    • Report to the Competent Person right away.
    • Follow corrective measures, such as adjusting the shoring or slope.

3. Heaving

  • What to Look For: Soil rising at the bottom of the excavation.
  • Why It’s Important: Loose soil can enter the excavation, putting workers at risk.
  • Action to Take:
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    • Notify the Competent Person immediately.
    • Evaluate and adjust the protective systems.

Real-Life Case or Scenario

Where possible, use an actual incident that you have experienced or been involved in.

In a recent excavation incident, workers noticed small tension cracks but ignored them. Hours later, the trench collapsed, trapping a worker under thousands of pounds of soil. This tragedy could have been prevented if the early warning signs had been reported to the Competent Person.

Employee Responsibilities

  • Staying Vigilant: Regularly check for tension cracks, bulging, subsidence, or heaving in and around excavations.
  • Immediate Reporting: If you notice any signs of soil distress, notify the Competent Person right away.‍
  • Following Safety Protocols: Never enter an excavation that appears unsafe or unstable.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Provide protective systems for excavations deeper than 5 feet.
  • Designate a Competent Person to evaluate soil conditions regularly.
  • Train employees to identify and report signs of soil distress.

Discussion & Questions

  • "Have you seen signs of soil distress on the job site before? What did you do?"
  • "How can we work together to ensure soil conditions are monitored and reported effectively?"

Encourage employees to share observations and clarify any questions.

Commitment/Action Plan

Let’s make a commitment today: If you see any signs of soil distress—no matter how small—report it immediately. Early action can prevent serious accidents and keep us all safe.

Wrap-Up

Excavation safety is everyone’s responsibility. By staying alert, identifying soil distress, and working with the Competent Person, we can prevent cave-ins and keep our worksite safe. Thank you for your attention, and remember: Speak up if you see a hazard. It could save a life.

Standards Overview

OSHA Requirements:

  • Protective systems are mandatory for excavations 5 feet or deeper (OSHA Standard 1926.651).
  • A Competent Person must inspect soil conditions regularly and implement corrective actions.
  • Workers are required to report any signs of soil distress immediately.

These rules are in place because soil movement and cave-ins are fast, unpredictable, and deadly.

Disclaimer

“The information provided in this toolbox talk is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The information presented is based on best practices and general industry standards but may not apply to all workplace situations.
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It is the responsibility of the employer, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited those of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 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.
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Participants are encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals to address specific concerns or questions. Always follow your organization's policies and procedures for workplace safety and hazard mitigation.”

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Last Updated:
January 13, 2025