Safety checklist — Earthwork / Excavation
Excavation, trenches and digging. Compliant with Québec's Construction Safety Code (CSTC) and CNESST standards.
Before work
13 items- ✓
PPE worn: CSA hard hat, high-visibility vest, steel-toed boots
- ✓
Locate request (Info-Excavation) received — underground services markedCritical
ℹ️ Info-Excavation: 1-800-663-9228 — mandatory before any excavation
- ✓
Machine inspected: brakes, backup alarm, bucket, fluid levels
- ✓
Weather conditions checked — no collapse risk after rain
- ✓
Shoring plans signed by engineer submitted to CNESST
- ✓
Overhead power lines identified — safe distances confirmed
- ✓
Wall slope < 45° or shoring/trench box in place (CSTC art. 3.15.3)Critical
ℹ️ Art. 3.15.3 Construction Safety Code
- ✓
Shoring extended 300 mm above excavation
- ✓
No vehicle parked within 3 m of the top of wallsCritical
ℹ️ Regulatory minimum distance to prevent wall collapse
- ✓
Materials stored more than 1.2 m from trench edge
- ✓
Access ladders installed every 15 m, extending at least 1 m above grade
- ✓
Signal person present if operator visibility is reduced
- ✓
Experienced person on surface monitoring the walls
After work
3 items- ✓
Excavation protected: rigid barriers + nighttime signage
- ✓
Machine parked safely, bucket down, key removed
- ✓
Excavation report completed and signed
More checklists — Heavy Work
More safety checklists
Risks and prevention — Earthwork and excavation
Trench and excavation cave-ins are among the most fatal construction accidents. The CSTC imposes strict requirements once depth exceeds 1.2 metres: shoring, sloping, or shielding based on soil type. Soil analysis and nearby load assessment must be completed before digging.
Pre-locating underground utilities (Info-Excavation in Québec) is mandatory. Any unexpected contact with a gas line or buried electrical cable can have fatal consequences. Minimum approach distances must be observed during mechanical digging.
A safe means of access (ladder, ramp) must be available within 7.5 metres of any worker in the excavation. Wall monitoring is ongoing: cracks, water infiltration, and vibration from machinery are precursors of instability.
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