What is the main hazard of trench work?

The main hazard of trench work being collapses is crucial to understand, as trench collapses pose the most significant risk to workers in excavations. Trenches can be unstable, especially when there is wet soil, loose material, or improper excavation practices. When trench walls fail, the surrounding soil can cave in rapidly, burying workers within the trench. This can result in severe injury or fatalities due to suffocation or trauma.

While electrical hazards, falls, and machinery accidents are indeed risks associated with construction and excavation work, they do not represent the primary concern of trenching specifically. The nature of the excavation increases the likelihood of collapses, especially if proper safety measures, such as shoring or shielding, are not implemented. Therefore, understanding the risk of collapses is essential for ensuring safe trench work practices.