Setting Out Near Excavations

Surveyors frequently set out near open excavations for drainage, foundations, and earthworks.
The main hazards are falling into the excavation, trench collapse, and being struck by excavation plant.
Tripods and instruments positioned near excavation edges can topple into the void if ground gives way.
Excavation edges are often unstable — standing within 1 metre of an unprotected edge is high risk.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply because falling into an excavation is a fall from height.
Surcharge loading from equipment and personnel near the edge increases the risk of collapse.
Surveyors must coordinate with the excavation team before entering or working near the dig.
Edge protection, barriers, or stop blocks must be in place before surveyors approach the excavation.
The excavation must have been inspected that day and confirmed safe before any close approach.
CDM 2015 requires all persons near excavations to be aware of the hazards and control measures.

Fall risk	Falling into excavations causes serious injuries and fatalities every year.
Collapse danger	Standing near unprotected edges adds load that can trigger trench collapse.
Plant proximity	Surveyors focused on instruments may not see approaching excavation plant.
Legal duty	Work at Height Regulations and CDM require controls for anyone near open excavations.

Do

Don't

Confirm the excavation has been inspected that day before approaching.
Stay behind edge protection barriers unless access is specifically planned.
Coordinate with the excavation team before entering their work area.
Set up instruments on stable ground at least 1 metre from excavation edges.
Use a remote prism or GPS rover to reduce the need to approach the edge.
Make eye contact with plant operators before entering the excavation zone.
Wear high-visibility clothing to ensure plant operators can see you.
Brief the excavation supervisor on where you will be working and for how long.
Use a harness and anchor if working within the fall zone with no edge protection.
Carry out a dynamic risk assessment each time you change position near the dig.

DON'T stand within 1 metre of an unprotected excavation edge.
DON'T set up tripods where excavation edge collapse could topple them into the void.
DON'T enter the excavation zone without coordinating with the excavation team.
DON'T focus on the instrument and lose awareness of plant movements around you.
DON'T approach an excavation that has not been inspected that shift.
DON'T place heavy equipment near the edge — surcharge loading triggers collapse.
DON'T work near excavations alone without a lone working procedure in place.
DON'T assume edge protection is in place — check before every approach.
DON'T lean over unprotected edges to take measurements into the excavation.
DON'T ignore signs of ground cracking or movement near the excavation edge.

See also: Surveying Safety Awareness | Excavation Safety Awareness

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