Small Groundworks & Excavation Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Lifting of pipes and chambers — Plan lifts to LOLER; use rated lifting points, slings and spreaders. Keep people out of the drop zone with tag-lines and banksmen. Verify machine capacity at radius; avoid side-loading and travelling with suspended loads. Park loads on level ground and never stand in excavations under a lift.
• Ergonomic strain — Assess tasks involving shovelling, barrowing or prolonged stooping. Rotate duties, provide mechanical aids like wheelbarrows/hoists, and ensure regular breaks. Train workers in posture and lifting techniques; plan workloads to prevent overexertion and allow recovery.
• Compaction equipment — Assess ground bearing; keep plate/roller away from edges and services. Use emission-controlled units with deadman controls. Wear hearing protection and gloves, rotate users to manage HAV. Stop on excessive vibration/soft spots and reassess. Refuel cool equipment in a bunded, no-smoking zone.
• Overhead lines — Survey for overhead power/telecom lines during planning; agree safe approach distances with the owner. Use goalposts and bunting to define plant exclusion heights, fit height limiters, and brief operators/banksmen. Spot at all slews and relocations; never tip or slew beneath lines.
• 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.