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
Formwork
Installation and removal of formwork
14 checks
Concrete pouring
Pouring and vibrating concrete
16 checks
Demolition
Demolition and removal work
16 checks
Masonry / Brickwork
Installation of bricks, blocks and stone
13 checks
Concrete sawing and drilling
Sawing, coring and drilling in concrete
17 checks
Asphalt / Paving
Asphalt laying and paving work
18 checks