Small Groundworks & Excavation Risk Assessment

Typical hazards & measures

• Open edges around excavations — Provide robust edge protection with guardrails/toeboards or barriers; cover small openings with secured, rated covers marked 'Hole'. Light and sign at night. Establish pedestrian detours and keep spoil a minimum 0.5–1 m back. Supervise children/public interface in parks, schools or footpaths.
• Noise exposure — Survey noise for breakers, saws and compactors; select quieter methods and maintain equipment. Enforce hearing protection zones, provide suitable defenders, and rotate tasks to limit dose. Brief on fit/limitations and keep bystanders outside zones; monitor exposure to remain below action values.
• Breaking and cutting operations — Select low-vibration breakers/saws with water suppression or on-tool extraction. Use guards, face/eye protection and cut tables. Exclude bystanders from fragment throw, control leads/hoses to avoid trips, and rotate tasks with timed breaks. Maintain discs, chisels and anchors to maker specs.
• Excavation sides and support — Appoint a competent person to select shoring, trench boxes or safe batter. Install support before entry; inspect at start of each shift and after rain or impacts. Keep loads and plant back from edges, avoid undercutting, and maintain records. Stop work if any movement or cracking appears.
• Low light and visibility — Plan works for daylight where possible; deploy task lighting with low glare and shadow control. Illuminate plant routes and edges, test before shift, and keep backup sets. Require Class 3 hi-vis and reflective barriers. Stop work if lighting fails or visibility is inadequate.