In our work domain, an excavation encompasses not only trenches but also tunnels or shafts. However, it's crucial to note that it excludes mines, water bores, and trenches designed for use as places of interment.
Risk Landscape: Engaging in excavation work entails grappling with various risks that demand our careful attention. These risks involve:
- Falls: The potential for individuals to fall into the excavation.
- Collapse Hazards: The risk of being trapped due to the collapse of the excavation.
- Struck by Objects: Workers within the excavation facing the danger of being struck by falling objects.
- Airborne Contaminants: Exposure to airborne contaminants by those toiling within the excavation.
It's essential to recognize that excavation work involving explosives introduces additional, notably significant risks, which necessitate a distinct focus.
Navigating Legislation: For detailed guidelines and regulations pertaining to excavations, particularly trenches, we refer to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, specifically covered under Division 3 – Excavation work. This division encapsulates the critical requirements essential for ensuring safety in excavation endeavors.
| Specific legislative requirements for excavation work | ||
|---|---|---|
Excavation work | A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must manage risks to health and safety associated with excavation work | WHS Regulation 2011, s305 |
Construction work | Excavation work is considered construction work under the WHS Regulation 2011 and must be carried out in accordance with the relevant regulations | WHS Regulation 2011 – Chapter 6 – Construction Work |
Safe work method statements | Safe work method statements are required for all high risk construction work, including any construction work that:
| WHS Regulation 2011, s291 and s299 |
Underground essential services | A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) with management or control of a workplace where excavation work is to be carried out must:
| WHS Regulation 2011, s304 |
Trenches | A PCBU excavating a trench of at least 1.5 metres deep must, so far as is reasonably practicable, secure the work area from unauthorised access, including inadvertent entry | WHS Regulation 2011, s306 |
Notifiable incidents | The collapse or failure of an excavation or of any shoring supporting an excavation is a dangerous incident and must be notified to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. | WHS Act 2011, s35, s36, s37, s38 and s39 |