Shoring Equipment Rentals

The best possible trench protective solutions are critical to the success of underground construction projects and offer contractors a competitive edge they cannot afford to overlook.

The path to this objective is easy to follow and makes greater sense than ever before. New technologies have expanded choices for excavation support systems and have added a financial incentive for using them. Unlike conventional trench protective methods that can add time and cost, these state-of-the-art technologies are designed to drive productivity and efficiency. Thus, the selection and proper use of optimal trench safety systems have become not only the right thing to do but also the financially sound thing to do.

Today, contractors, project owners and design engineers have new opportunities to learn about and receive guidance in selecting and using excavation support systems. However, a wide gap exists between trench safety innovations and available solutions, on the one hand, and an awareness of these solutions, on the other. Despite growing outreach and technological advances, the construction industry is only slowly beginning to grasp the importance of trench safety and realizing the advantages of the latest in trench protective systems.

Contractors and other parties involved in specifying or implementing trench protection generally know that government regulations and community expectations require measures to safeguard trench workers. In addition, adjacent structures must be protected. These include utility pipelines, pavement and building foundations. Yet, not all contractors have detailed knowledge of safety regulations for specific areas, and there is only a modest understanding of the broad array of protective options available. Traditional methods are not adequate for many of today's job sites, and newer forms of ground support can boost productivity.

As a result, trenches that should have protective systems often have none or are supported inadequately. When suitable devices are chosen, construction crews may not know how to install or remove them properly, so equipment may lie idle or not be used effectively.

The consequences resulting from the gap between product availability and use can be serious and costly. Trench accidents and deaths — mostly due to inadequate or no excavation support — have persisted at a roughly even pace for 15 years, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reports. Worker deaths and injuries, as well as damage to facilities and structures, exact heavy emotional and financial tolls and can threaten business survival.

This white paper will help those involved in underground construction understand why it is necessary and beneficial to use the best trench protective systems. It also explains the merits of newer approaches involving proactive shoring of trench walls. United Rentals is collaborating with the private and public sectors to generate awareness, foster product innovation, and develop and promote best practices regarding trench protection.

Using statistics, examples and expert commentary, this paper examines the trench safety issue, focusing on current needs and solutions. It covers:

• Reasons for limited construction industry knowledge and use of leading-edge trench protection options;

• OSHA trench safety requirements, compliance trends and liabilities of violations;

• Trench protective options, including active shoring systems: their advantages, shortcomings and factors for contractors and owners to consider in choosing the best solutions;

• Resources for information, training and assistance in selecting and implementing the most favorable excavation support systems.

Source: Associated Construction Publication