Without early planning and expert guidance, even the best equipment can fall short
By Cam Dougherty, Cooper Trench Safety
In 2023, a Calgary worker lost his life when his supervisors failed to provide trench safety equipment.
The same happened in Toronto in 2024 after a tragic trench collapse. Later that year, a construction worker was fatally trapped in a four-metre-deep trench after conducting repairs. Most recently, unstable soil caused a trench to collapse, leaving two people gravely injured.
With all our advancements in equipment and safety awareness, these accidents shouldn’t happen, but they do. Trench excavation is dangerous work when precautions are overlooked. The biggest threat is non-compliance — contractors operating outside the safety system or not using one at all to save a bit of cash. And when safety culture is non-existent, workers may feel unable to speak up.
The consequences can be fatal.
Trench projects are often highly complex – especially if they involve existing utilities, adjacent infrastructure, unstable soils or water systems. Success hinges on the right equipment selection but also expert guidance around safety regulations and in-depth knowledge of infrastructure systems.
One effective strategy is partnering with an equipment rental provider. It gives your team access to the latest trench equipment that is both well maintained and meets safety regulations. And the benefits go beyond just the equipment. A reliable rental provider offers hands-on training, on-site planning, customized solutions, timely delivery, site specific engineering and even emergency support for those unexpected projects. With the right partner by your side, your crew can operate with confidence and focus on getting the job done safely and efficiently.
Proper planning
If your project involves any trench work, you should start with a thorough site evaluation and in-field consultation to identify potential hazards. This includes checking for underground utilities, soil type assessment and ensuring the trenching plan complies with local, provincial and federal regulations.
Factors like soil type, trench depth and project duration must be carefully evaluated before selecting equipment. Renting the wrong-sized excavator might cause a minor setback, but poor planning or lack of expertise and guidance around trench systems can lead to costly delays, structural instability and serious safety risks for your crew.
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Remember: no two trenches are alike — conditions can change daily and vary across job sites. While regulations and industry standards provide guidance when it comes to protective measures, be sure to have a competent person on your team who maintains a strong relationship with an experienced shoring partner.
This individual should be familiar with various soil types/classifications and how factors like depth of trench, moisture content and water seepage can affect stability.
A trustworthy rental provider should have the knowledge and experience to identify risks and give honest, practical advice on trench equipment you need, and what you don’t need, helping you avoid over-renting unnecessary equipment or services.
Rental partnership
When safety is taken seriously, it creates a jobsite where workers can operate without the risk of accidents. Training your team on how to use equipment correctly is crucial. Your rental provider can help you not only choose the right equipment but also provide a basic understanding of product assembly, safety regulations and how to adhere to manufacturer’s guidelines.
Rental providers are often the first to know about changes or updates to trench safety regulations and best practices from equipment manufacturers. This makes them uniquely qualified to help you align your current safety programs with regulatory requirements, while also ensuring proper procedures are followed for trench excavation — equipping your crew with the confidence and knowledge to assess hazards, oversee equipment installation and perform daily inspections.
Make sure your workers feel safe to speak up by cultivating a culture of safety that goes beyond simply complying with regulations.
The right equipment
Selecting the right trench shoring system is essential to maintaining safety, minimizing delays and ensuring your project stays on schedule. There are various types of shoring and shielding systems designed to keep workers safe in excavations no matter the site conditions. Your rental partner can help determine the right equipment for the job and identify the best solutions tailored to your specific project needs.
Ask for advice
There are experts with extensive knowledge and experience in trench safety — don’t hesitate to involve them when you’re unsure. Understanding the specific conditions and requirements of your jobsite is essential to keeping your crew safe. There are no excuses for excavation fatalities, especially when a trench box or shoring system is on site but not being used properly.
To help prevent trench accidents, work closely with your equipment rental partner. They can recommend the right solutions tailored to your project needs. A bit of planning upfront can make all the difference, so be sure to engage them early in the process for the best results.
