For excavation contractors, the safety of everyone on the job takes priority. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets nationwide safety standards and guidelines for the industry. Below are a few of these protective measures discussed in more detail.

How Excavation Contractors Keep Job Sites Safe

1. Comprehensive Pre-Planning

No two excavation projects are alike. The condition of the ground and terrain can vary from one site to the next. For this reason, excavation contractors undertake thorough pre-planning by assessing ground conditions. This step helps prevent errors in sloping or shoring—mistakes that can jeopardize the work, the budget, and the worker’s safety. Other items on the pre-planning checklist include weather and traffic considerations, testing soil conditions, and finding the locations of utility lines and pipes.

2. Cave-In Prevention

A cave-in is one of the biggest dangers on any excavation site. Contractors will either shore or bench the sides of the excavation, implement supportive equipment along the sides of the site, or erect a barrier between the side of the excavation and the area where the work is performed.

3. Equipment & Material Maintenance

The tools used on the job site must also be maintained to ensure worker safety. First, all equipment and materials need to be damage- and defect-free. They must be used according to the instructions stipulated by the manufacturers. If any equipment or materials become damaged, a qualified person will determine if the item is safe to continue using or if it should be replaced. Should a clear determination be difficult to reach, the item will always be removed from the site.

These are just a few of the important precautions excavation contractors integrate into every job site. Rojac Construction Inc. is committed to the highest levels of safety on each job. They have more than 70 years of experience serving clients in the Wailuku, HI, area and the entire island of Maui. They provide civil engineering and demolition and construction services to businesses of all sizes. To request an estimate, call (808) 986-1105 or visit their website to browse their work.