GRW/Ground Improvement/TBT-GRW-009
Groundworks Safety Awareness Overview
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Groundworks Safety Awareness Overview
Groundworks form the foundation of every construction project and include excavation, drainage, concreting, and earthmoving activities. These tasks involve heavy plant, deep trenches, buried services, manual handling, and exposure to weather. The combination of these hazards makes groundworks one of the most dangerous phases of any project. Planning, competence, and vigilance are essential to keep the workforce safe during ground-level operations.
Key Hazards
Trench collapse burying workers during excavation and drainage installation
Striking buried services causing electrocution, gas leaks, or flooding
Workers struck by moving plant in confined groundworks areas
Manual handling injuries from heavy drainage components and materials
Control Measures
- Complete service scans using CAT and Genny and check utility records before any excavation.
- Install trench support or use safe batter angles before anyone enters any excavation.
- Maintain strict plant and pedestrian segregation throughout all groundworks areas.
- Ensure all groundworks operatives are inducted and briefed on task-specific risk assessments.
- Use mechanical aids for handling heavy items such as pipes, kerbs, and manhole components.
- Provide safe access and egress from all excavations with ladders positioned at regular intervals.
- Monitor ground conditions, weather, and water levels throughout the working shift.
- Ensure a competent person inspects all excavations at the start of each working day.
- Keep spoil heaps and materials at least one metre from excavation edges at all times.
Remember
- Groundworks combine multiple high-risk activities and require constant awareness of your surroundings.
- Always scan for buried services before breaking ground, even in areas marked as clear.
- Never enter an unsupported excavation regardless of how quick the task is expected to take.
- Use mechanical aids for heavy items and follow correct manual handling techniques for everything else.
- Plant operators cannot always see you — maintain eye contact before approaching any machine.
- Report any changes in ground conditions, water levels, or weather that could affect safety.
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · HSG47 (Avoiding Danger from Underground Services)
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