What is Trench Safety Stand Down Week?
Trench Safety Stand Down Week is a national initiative led by OSHA, providing employers and safety professionals—like MITA’s safety team—an opportunity to speak directly with workers about the life-saving importance of trench and excavation safety. It’s a time to refocus, retrain, and recommit to ensuring safe practices on every job site.
Why It Matters:
Trenching remains one of the most hazardous activities in construction. One cubic yard of soil can weigh more than 3,000 pounds—enough to cause fatal injuries in seconds. Tragically, trench fatalities have been rising, many of which could have been prevented with proper training, planning, and safety precautions.
Key Trench Safety Standards to Remember:
-Protective Systems Are a Must: Trenches deeper than 5 feet require sloping, shoring, or shielding unless made entirely of stable rock.
-Daily Inspections: A competent person must inspect all trenches daily and after any event that could compromise safety.
-Safe Access and Egress: Trenches 4 feet or deeper must have a ladder or ramp within 25 feet of workers.
-Spoil Placement: Keep spoil piles and heavy machinery at least 2 feet from the trench edge.
-Never Enter an Unsafe Trench: If you’re unsure or there’s no protective system—DO NOT ENTER.
What MITA is Doing:
-Daily toolbox talks and “lunch and learns” focusing on excavation hazards
-Encouraging all employees to speak up about unsafe conditions
-A comprehensive review of MITA’s trench safety protocols
Make It Interactive: Volunteer Your Site!
We’re inviting members to host a visit from Greg Brooks or Matt Moody, with the option of a MIOSHA representative during Stand Down Week. This is your chance to:
-Highlight your team’s commitment to safety
-Engage directly with trench safety experts
-Showcase best practices on-site
If you’re interested in scheduling a visit, please contact Greg or Matt via email or phone:
Greg Brooks – gregbrooks@thinkmita.org – 517-507-2531
Matt Moody – mattmoody@thinkmita.org – 810-599-5261
Your Role in Trench Safety:
Every worker has both the right and the responsibility to refuse unsafe work. If you see something, say something. Safety begins with awareness, and it’s sustained through proactive measures.
Let’s use Trench Safety Stand Down Week to strengthen our culture of safety and ensure everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.
Stay Safe. Stay Smart. Dig with Caution.
Need More Resources?
MITA’s Trench Safety Handbook is a compact, easy-to-use reference for best practices and compliance guidelines. Handbooks are available for $5 each—a great resource for supervisors and crew members alike. Click here to order your copies.
