LND/General/TBT-LND-021
Retaining Wall Construction (Landscape)
Landscaping & External Works › General › Retaining Wall Construction (Landscape)
Toolbox Talk
Retaining Wall Construction (Landscape)
Landscape retaining walls hold back soil on sloping ground and must be built to withstand earth and water pressures. Walls that fail during or after construction can collapse without warning, burying workers or damaging adjacent property. Even small landscape retaining walls involve manual handling of heavy blocks, excavation near the toe, and working on uneven terrain. This talk covers the safety requirements for building retaining walls in landscape settings.
Key Hazards
Wall collapse during or after construction burying nearby workers
Manual handling injuries from lifting heavy stone or concrete blocks
Excavation instability at the wall foundation cut near sloping ground
Struck-by injuries from blocks or materials rolling down slopes
Control Measures
- Build the retaining wall to the approved design drawing with correct foundation depth and drainage.
- Excavate the foundation trench carefully and support the uphill face if ground stability is poor.
- Use mechanical handling aids for heavy blocks wherever possible to reduce manual lifting.
- Install land drainage behind the wall as specified in the design to prevent water pressure buildup.
- Do not backfill behind the wall until the structure has reached adequate strength.
- Keep the slope above the work area clear of loose materials that could roll onto workers below.
- Brief all operatives on the construction sequence and the drainage installation requirements.
- Inspect the partially built wall daily for signs of movement, cracking, or base settlement.
- Ensure the temporary works assessment covers any excavation deeper than 1.2 metres.
Remember
- Build strictly to the approved design drawing including correct foundation depth and drainage
- Install drainage behind the wall as specified to prevent dangerous water pressure buildup
- Use mechanical handling aids for heavy blocks to reduce manual handling injuries
- Do not backfill behind the wall until it has reached adequate structural strength
- Inspect the wall daily during construction for movement, cracking, or settlement
Applicable Legislation: CDM 2015 · Building Regulations 2010 · BS 8002 (Code of Practice for Earth Retaining Structures) · Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
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