Job hazard analysis: working near excavation edges
Work, walk, or park machines next to an open excavation.
- 4 steps
- 5 PPE items
- Editable in Reldro
The job hazard analysis
PPE required: Hard hat, Safety glasses, Gloves, Safety boots, High-visibility vest
1. Mark the edge zone
What could go wrong
Unclear where the safe edge is
How we control it
Barricade and sign the excavation with a clear stand-off. Keep machines and spoil back from the edge.
2. Manage spoil and materials
What could go wrong
Spoil or tools rolling in; weight on the wall
How we control it
Keep spoil back from the edge. Don't store materials at the edge.
3. Cross the excavation
What could go wrong
Falls into the trench
How we control it
Use a crossing built for the purpose, with handrails. Don't jump across.
4. Control machines
What could go wrong
Tipping or driving into the excavation
How we control it
Use stop blocks for trucks that tip or reverse to the edge. Use a spotter.
- Rain, vibration, and heavy vehicles can weaken an edge. Check it again when conditions change.
When to use it
Use it for any task within the edge zone of a trench or pit.
Review it with the crew before the work starts, change anything that doesn't match how you'll do the job, and update it when the method, the equipment, or the site changes.
Use this JHA in Reldro
- It arrives ready to edit, and your crew uses it on their phone, even without signal.
- Failed items become corrective actions with an owner and a due date.
- Every completed one is kept with the site, the date and who did it.
