Cut and fill operations involve removing earth from high areas and placing it in low areas to create level building platforms or road formations. These large-scale earthworks involve heavy plant, steep temporary slopes, and constantly changing ground conditions. This talk covers the main hazards associated with cut and fill work and the controls every operative must follow to stay safe during these operations.
Key Hazards
Slope failure or landslip from unstable temporary cut faces
Collisions between heavy earthmoving plant on haul routes
Workers on foot struck by dumpers or excavators in work areas
Soft or waterlogged fill material causing plant to overturn or sink
Control Measures
Follow the earthworks method statement for maximum cut face angles and bench heights at all times.
Segregate pedestrian routes from haul roads using physical barriers and signage.
Ensure all earthmoving plant operators hold current CPCS or NPORS cards for the machines in use.
Monitor cut face stability daily and after heavy rainfall, reporting any signs of cracking or slippage.
Compact fill material in layers as specified by the earthworks specification before trafficking.
Use a banksman to control reversing operations at fill areas and tipping points.
Keep all workers clear of the swing radius of excavators loading or spreading material.
Install edge protection or bunds at the top of cut faces to prevent vehicles overrunning.
Stop work in areas where ground conditions deteriorate and seek engineering advice before proceeding.
Remember
Maximum cut face angles must comply with the earthworks method statement at all times
Pedestrians and plant must be physically separated on all haul routes across the site
Fill material must be placed and compacted in specified layers before any trafficking
Monitor cut faces daily and after rainfall for signs of cracking or slope instability
Stop work and seek engineering advice if ground conditions change unexpectedly on site
Banksmen must control all reversing operations at tipping points and fill areas
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · BS 6031:2009 (Earthworks) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · PUWER 1998