Excavating is a Dangerous Job That Requires Skill, Experience and the Right Equipment
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Hydro excavation involves using water and an ever-present vacuum to dig trenches in the ground, often for precise construction projects that demand this technique of excavation.
Experience
Excavating is a complex task requiring skill, experience, and the appropriate equipment. Additionally, excavation is potentially hazardous as it can damage pipes, structures, and other properties if performed without professional guidance and oversight. A professional excavation company can assist in protecting you by flagging any buried pipes or utility lines before work commences to prevent costly repairs and damages from arising.
Experienced excavation contractors possess both the right tools and knowledge necessary for every job at hand. They know how to dig trenches safely and efficiently, lay foundations, and clear land for new development using state-of-the-art technology for utility locating purposes, ensuring a seamless excavation process.
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Equipment
Excavation contractors require access to appropriate tools and equipment in order to operate effectively. A reliable dump truck, backhoe loader, and excavators should be invested in for more extensive projects; in addition, they should consider hiring or purchasing additional pieces depending on the nature and scale of projects planned for completion.
Heavy earthmoving machinery should be kept well away from dams and trenches to reduce the risk of ground collapse. Appropriate controls should be implemented to ensure any part of the plant or load being carried doesn’t come too close to overhead electric lines; consult your relevant authority regarding approach distances before taking action.
Different soil types will settle at different angles when dumped into piles, and it is up to an engineer to ascertain a safe slope for an excavation. To reduce ground collapse risks, engineering controls such as benching, battering, or shoring should also be utilized.
Other safety considerations for an excavation site should include making sure it does not cause vibration or concussion to nearby buildings; water penetration is prevented, ponding does not increase flood risks by holding back runoff water, and excavated material should be placed to minimize risks such as ground collapse and flooding by overloading previously weak spots in the soil.
Safety
Construction companies often receive the perception that they overlook employee health and safety concerns, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Excavation and trenching companies take extra measures to protect workers at job sites – such as holding daily safety meetings to educate workers in recognizing heat-related illness, providing water breaks during working hours, using shade tents, electrolyte packs, or popsicles as needed to stay hydrated throughout their shifts, etc.
As part of their services, they also conduct daily excavation safety inspections and educate their workers on OSHA regulations. These safety procedures help avoid cave-ins or other excavation hazards and also abide by stringent standards when it comes to determining excavation depth and necessary protective systems.
Locating underground utilities is another crucial element of excavation safety. They are typically buried four to six feet beneath the surface and must not be touched by workers. Contractors use potholing – an excavation technique using hydro excavation – to locate subsurface utilities more safely while having less environmental impact than traditional methods.
Excavation safety requires the identification of a competent individual for every excavation site who possesses knowledge in evaluating soil conditions and using protective systems properly, as well as knowing how to identify signs of imminent collapse and take necessary actions should one occur.
Insurance
Excavation contractors operating heavy equipment face numerous liabilities in their line of work, including subsurface conditions not anticipated, hitting underground utilities without permission, soil compaction and grading requirements to meet water runoff regulations, and worker injuries from straining under equipment and property damage at job sites.
Excavation contractors can reduce these risks by investing in specific construction insurance policies. General liability protection provides financial coverage for accidents and primary risks associated with excavation work, including property damage to third-party locations. Furthermore, E& or professional liability coverage provides an extra defense if your company is accused of making mistakes that cost clients money.
Workers’ Compensation insurance will cover medical bills and lost wages incurred while on the job and is typically mandated by state governments for companies employing people. If your vehicle is used to transport materials, commercial auto coverage should also be considered; this policy provides repairs or replacement in case your truck is involved in an accident or stolen – along with property insurance for added peace of mind for your equipment and tools.
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