Trench collapses happen without warning. Use this checklist before anyone goes in.
A cubic metre of soil weighs over a tonne. Trench collapses give no warning and leave little chance of survival.
Before entry
Check for services, assess soil type, and confirm shoring, benching or battering is in place for depths over 1.2 m.
Access and edges
Ladders every 7.5 m, spoil and plant kept back from the edge, barricades in place.
Daily inspection
A competent person inspects every excavation each shift and after rain. Record it.