Wyoming OSHA

🛡️ EXCAVATION SAFETY 🛡️
If a trench is 5 feet deep or deeper, a protective system is required by law. A single cubic yard of dirt can weigh as much as a car—never gamble on unprotected dirt walls.
We protect workers using the Three S's:
1. Sloping: Cutting trench walls back at an angle so the dirt can't slide.
2. Shoring: Using hydraulic jacks or timber to actively support the walls.
3. Shielding: Using heavy-duty steel trench boxes to protect workers if a cave-in happens.
Check out the breakdown below to see how these systems look in action. Finish the week strong and stay safe! For more information, please see 29 CFR subpart on OSHA.gov

Know Your Dirt
🌱 EXCAVATION SAFETY🌱
To a safety pro, dirt isn't just dirt. Soil type dictates exactly how a trench must be protected to prevent a cave-in.
Your on-site Competent Person classifies soil into three main types:
● Type A (Most stable): Cohesive clays. Highly stable but still needs protection.
● Type B (Medium stability): Silt, sandy loam, and gravel. Requires extra caution.
● Type C (Least stable): Loose sand, gravel, or wet/seeping soil. Can collapse without warning.
Remember: Rain or vibrations can instantly turn Type A soil into dangerous Type C. Know your ground! For more information, please see 29 CFR subpart on OSHA.gov

🗓️ Call Before You Dig

🚧 EXCAVATION SAFETY: STEP 1 🚧
Before a single shovel touches the dirt, you have to know what’s underneath. Hitting a buried utility line is expensive, disruptive, and dangerous.
Always call 811 (or your local location service) a few days before breaking ground.
● It’s the law: Nearly all states require utility marking.
● It’s free: Utilities will mark lines with flags or paint at no cost.
● Be precise: Hand-dig carefully within the marked tolerance zones.
Know what's below. Call 811 every time. For more information, please see 29 CFR subpart on OSHA.gov


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Trench Safety Stand Down
June 15-19, 2026, is Trench Safety Stand Down week! Participation is open to all, members and non-members alike. There is no cost for this event. We encourage utility construction, residential construction, highway construction, plumbers, the military, unions, associations, educational institutions, and safety equipment manufacturers to participate.
📅 How to Participate:
Holding a Stand Down is simple. Take 15–20 minutes this week to:
1. Gather those working in and around trenches on your job site.
2. Talk about the specific hazards of your current project.
3. Review your protective systems and emergency procedures.
By taking a few minutes to talk about safety today, you can protect your workers and reduce the risks on your site. Let’s work together to bring those injury numbers down to zero! More information can be found here: https://nuca.com/events/tssd/
👉 Are you planning a Stand Down this week? Drop a picture of your crew or comment below to show your commitment to a safer jobsite!