Whether working on a septic tank installation or preparing a site for foundational work, trenching and excavation are inherently risky tasks. So how do trenching contractors maintain a safe working environment? As the team at Wilson & Roy Construction in Nancy, KY, explains, adhering to OSHA safety guidelines ensures that work is completed safely and efficiently.

The following are just a few of the ways that trenching contractors make safety a top priority:

• Preventing Soil Movement: Preventing unanticipated soil movement is perhaps one of the most important safety-related tasks to consider during excavation work. Trenching contractors use several different methods to keep soil in place, such as cutting a series of horizontal steps in the trench wall, shoring up the trench with aluminum hydraulic supports, or shielding the soil with specialized boxes. The method used will depend on soil conditions and trench depth.
• Inspections: Frequent inspections of the trench are essential for maintaining a safe working environment. Professional contractors should conduct these before beginning their shift, as well as after any incident that may have changed soil conditions, such as a rainstorm. In deep trenches, workers should also check for toxic gases and other atmospheric hazards.
• Keeping a Safe Distance: To prevent accidents, contractors ensure earth moving equipment and other materials are kept at least 2 feet away from the edge of the trench. Workers are also advised to avoid loads suspended over a sight. These basic precautions will eliminate the possibility of heavy materials falling on those in the trench.

If you need a reliable trenching contractor for your property, enlist the help of Wilson & Roy Construction. With a dedication to safety and customer satisfaction as well as over 50 years of industry experience, they’ll deliver stellar results every time. To learn more about the services offered by this family-owned business, visit them online or call (606) 636-6457.