What common hazard is associated with excavation work?

Cave-ins or collapses of excavation walls are among the most serious hazards in excavation work because they can occur suddenly and without warning, posing significant risk to the safety of workers involved. Excavations deeper than 5 feet are particularly at risk, as the weight of the soil can cause the walls to become unstable. When walls collapse, they can bury workers, leading to potentially fatal injuries.

Recognizing this hazard is crucial for implementing effective safety procedures, such as ensuring proper sloping or shoring of excavation walls. This knowledge underlines the importance of safety training and adherence to regulations, which aim to protect workers from such devastating incidents while they perform their tasks. Understanding cave-ins as a key hazard helps workers stay vigilant and promotes safer excavation practices.