Protocols and regulatory requirements for protecting workers in excavations deeper than 1.2 metres. Subcontractors must implement shoring, sloping, or trench boxes before workers enter. Non-compliance can result in stop-work orders, fines, and liability on your contract.
Trench Safety
Related Terms
Excavation Protective Systems
ComplianceEngineered safeguards—such as shoring, shielding, or sloping—used to prevent trench or excavation collapse on job sites. Subcontractors are typically responsible for selecting and installing the correct system based on soil conditions and depth. Non-compliance can result in stop-work orders, fines, or liability for injuries.
Safety-Sensitive
ComplianceA designation for positions where impairment could directly cause injury, death, or environmental harm. Common examples include equipment operators, riggers, and drivers. Workers in these roles are typically subject to mandatory drug and alcohol testing under client and regulatory requirements.
Facility Permit
ComplianceA site-specific authorisation required before subcontractors can perform work at an owner-operated facility. It outlines approved work scopes, safety conditions, and access restrictions. Failing to secure one before mobilising can result in removal from site or contract penalties.
Permit (well Permit)
ComplianceA government-issued authorisation required before drilling or servicing a well can begin. Subcontractors should confirm a valid permit is in place before mobilising crews or equipment. Work started without one can result in shutdowns, fines, or liability for the operator and service company.
Osha (occupational Safety and Health Administration) Recordables
ComplianceWork-related injuries or illnesses that must be logged on an OSHA 300 form. For subcontractors, these incidents can affect prequalification scores and client contract eligibility. High recordable rates often disqualify field crews from worksites entirely.
Near-Miss Reporting
ComplianceThe formal process of documenting incidents where no injury or damage occurred, but easily could have. Subcontractors are typically required to report near-misses to the prime contractor or site owner within a set timeframe. Failure to report can result in contract penalties or disqualification from future work.
Latest Compliance News
NUCA Trench Safety Month Puts Excavation Compliance in the Spotlight This June
NUCA has designated June as Trench Safety Month, with a stand down event running June 15-19 at hundreds of jobsites nationwide. Here's what excavation subcontractors need to know about the campaign and staying ahead of compliance gaps.
1 month agoComplianceTrench Safety Stand Down Set for June 15-19, Registration Now Open
The National Utility Contractors Association is hosting the Trench Safety Stand Down June 15-19, open to all employers doing trench and excavation work. Utility and pipeline subcontractors can register crews online now.
1 month agoComplianceDeadline Nears for J. J. Keller's 2026 Safety Professional of the Year Awards
J. J. Keller & Associates is accepting applications for its 2026 SPOTY Awards through July 31, with winners receiving prize packages valued up to $47,200.
20 hours agoComplianceDOT Plans New Rules on Truck Braking Systems and Electronic Logging Devices
The Department of Transportation's 2026 regulatory agenda includes a supplemental proposal for automatic emergency braking on heavy trucks and an update to electronic logging device rules, Safety+Health Magazine reports.
20 hours agoRelated Guides
When a Jobsite Incident Happens: What Field Workers Need to Know Before Signing Anything
What to do after a jobsite injury or incident, what your rights are before signing incident reports, how workers' compensation works, and how to protect yourself on multi-employer worksites.
Compliance GuideOSHA Citations on Multi-Employer Worksites: What Subcontractors Need to Know
Learn how OSHA's multi-employer citation policy works, why subcontractors get cited for hazards they didn't create, and how to protect your company on operator-controlled job sites.
Compliance GuideHow to Read and Negotiate an Oilfield Master Service Agreement (MSA): A Subcontractor's Guide
Learn which MSA clauses actually matter for oilfield subcontractors: indemnity, insurance, payment terms, and change orders. Know what you're signing.
Stay sharp on field operations
Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to FieldNews
