November 10, 2025  | Makenzie Kellar

For many, the idea of being enclosed in a tight space is nothing less than an absolute nightmare. It can bring to mind imagery of being buried alive, alone in a dark, cramped space unable to move or escape. 

However, for others, tight spaces are simply part of an average workday. When it comes to construction and utilities maintenance, trenching and shoring is not just normal, but essential. While this sort of work is not as inherently terrifying as the claustrophobic might think, it can quickly turn into a nightmare if proper safety precautions are not in place. 

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), there were 373 trenching deaths from 2003 to 2017 with over 80% of them occurring in the construction industry. When trench collapses occur, workers can find themselves buried with no way of escape. Considering the fact that even one square yard of dirt can weigh more than 3,000 lbs., it becomes much easier to understand how a normal jobsite can turn deadly.  

Thankfully, there are a number of tried-and-true steps that can decrease the risk of such a catastrophe taking place. While this article does not cover all of the information out there, it will give you a place to start when researching how to keep your employees safe when trenching and shoring. 

Best Practices and Addressing Safety Concerns 

A great deal of vital safety preparation work is done before anyone sets foot near a trench. Once your team knows exactly where they will be digging, call 811, a free national before-you-dig service, or visit their website. They can let you know if there are any utility lines in the area that you’ll need to avoid while working.  

Then, be sure the area is inspected by a “competent person,” which is defined by OSHA as someone who has training in the use of protective systems, is knowledgeable about OSHA requirements, and has the authority to immediately evacuate workers from the excavation and ensure that hazardous conditions are addressed. Although Colorado public entities are not required to follow OSHA standards, OSHA offers a national standard for occupational safety.  

Some safety concerns are easy enough to spot; pedestrians, vehicle traffic, lack of a usable exit, and unstable infrastructure near the trenching site should be an immediate red flag to any inspector. However, some hazards, such as soil composition, are more subtle. OSHA classifies different soils as Type A, Type B, or Type C depending on characteristics like compressive strength, material makeup, and behavior under stress. Knowing what type of soil type you’ll be working with is crucial to maintaining a safe worksite, as soil type is used to determine how steep your trench can be before there is a heightened risk of collapse.  

Beyond that, some hazards cannot be identified with the naked eye. If the trenching and shoring work involves entering a confined space, it’s entirely possible that it may contain toxic gases or lack enough oxygen for workers to proceed safely. The space should be tested to ensure the atmosphere is not hazardous and employees should have access to respiratory protection equipment as needed. 

All of the inspections listed above should not only occur before the trenching and shoring process but also throughout to ensure changing conditions are noticed and accounted for. And while these tips are a great starting point for keeping your employees safe during these sorts of projects, there is one final, crucial detail that every employee needs to make a safe workplace possible: training—and lots of it.  

“Properly trained” means employees clearly understand protocols and can accurately identify hazards. This best practice is by far the most important component of operating a safe trenching and shoring project. While this article can offer helpful tips, it is by no means comprehensive enough to make up for having an expert offer their guidance and answer employee questions. 

Fortunately, the CSD Pool offers members access to free safety consultations and trainings from seasoned professionals who can assist with confined space training, excavation safety, hazard recognition, trenching and shoring, and much more. For more information on how to access this training, visit csdpool.org/safety or email our consultants at safety@csdpool.org. 

Remember, trenching and shoring are dangerous jobs where one mistake can lead to injuries and even casualties. But with the right knowledge, preparation, and experience, you can make sure every employee returns home safely at the end of the day.