2005 - 02/11/2005 - OSHA Offers Pocket Card for Excavation and Trenching

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OSHA News Release
2005 - 02/11/2005 - OSHA Offers Pocket Card for Excavation and Trenching

OSHA News Release - Table of Contents

OSHA Trade Release
February 11, 2005
Contact: Frank Meilinger
Phone: (202) 693-1999

OSHA Offers Pocket Card for Excavation and Trenching

WASHINGTON -- A new OSHA safety information pocket card, Safety in Excavations or Trenches, will help workers and employers understand safe trenching practices and the federal requirements for construction excavation safety. The cards are printed in English on one side and Spanish on the other.

The cards can be downloaded from OSHA's web site on the publications page or can be ordered by calling OSHA's publications office at (202) 693-1888.

"This new card provides practical, yet critically important, information that can help save lives," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jonathan L. Snare. "We know that construction excavation can be dangerous work and that's why it important that we make every effort to provide these workers the tools they need to stay safe on the job."

The new pocket-sized card explains that excavations or trenches five feet deep or greater require a protective system. It also highlights OSHA's requirements that excavation or trench walls must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Sloped for stability
Cut to create stepped or benched grades
Supported by a system made with posts, beams, shores or planking and hydraulic jacks
Supported by a trench box
An exit ladder must be within 25 feet of workers

Excavating is recognized as one of the most hazardous construction operations. OSHA recently revised construction excavation standards to make them easier to understand, permit the use of performance criteria where possible, and provide construction employers with options when classifying soil and selecting employee protection methods.

Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7773 or TTY 202-693-7755.

OSHA News Release - Table of Contents


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