Safety Talk Library
Excavation Safety · 2–5 min toolbox talk
Trenching and Cave-In Hazard Safety
A safety talk focused on trenching hazards and the deadly risks associated with cave-ins.
Use this printed script for your tailgate or toolbox talk. Read through the hazards, script, and questions with your crew.
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“Trenching and Cave-In Hazard Safety”
Key Hazards
- Sudden trench wall collapse
- Burial or crushing injuries
- False sense of security in shallow trenches
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Trenching and cave-in safety matters because a cubic yard of soil can weigh more than a car.
Cave-ins can occur even in shallow trenches and even when soil appears stable.
Protective systems must be used unless the excavation is proven safe by a competent person.
No task is urgent enough to justify entering an unprotected trench.
Safety Reminders
- Assume cave-in risk exists.
- Use protective systems when required.
- Never enter an unprotected trench.
- Report cracks, sloughing, or water immediately.
Ask the Crew
- Is this trench protected properly?
- What signs of instability should we watch for?