June is Trench Safety Month, a reminder that no job is routine when excavation work is involved. Trench collapses can happen without warning, and even a small cave-in can have devastating consequences. Whether you're installing utilities, repairing water lines, placing foundations, or completing site work, every excavation should begin with a plan. Contractors should always call 811 before digging to identify underground utilities, evaluate soil conditions, and determine the proper protective system before work begins. OSHA requires protective measures for trenches five feet deep or greater, but smart contractors know that safety starts long before reaching that depth.

Protecting your crew means using the right combination of trench boxes, shoring systems, sloping, and safe access points such as ladders located within 25 feet of workers. Daily inspections by a competent person, keeping spoil piles away from trench edges, and monitoring changing soil and weather conditions are essential practices that save lives. At BSE Rents, we understand the challenges contractors face in the field. That's why we provide reliable excavation equipment, compaction tools, trenching equipment, and the expertise to help you select the right solution for your project. This June, take the time to review your trench safety procedures, train your crew, and remember: a safe trench is a life-saving trench.

Trench Safety Checklist

- Call 811 before every excavation
- Identify soil conditions and hazards
- Use proper trench protection systems
- Keep equipment and spoil piles away from trench edges
- Provide safe entry and exit points
- Inspect trenches and protective systems daily
- Never enter an unprotected trench

BSE Rents — Helping Central Valley Contractors Work Safer and Smarter Since 1952.