Excavation HazardsCave-ins are the greatest risk Other hazards include: Asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen Inhalation of toxic materials Fire Moving machinery near the edge of the excavation can cause a collapse Accidental severing of underground utility lines1 OSHA Office of Training and EducationInjury and Death Excavating is one of the most hazardous construction operations Most accidents occur in trenches 5-15 feet deep There is usually no warning before a cave-in2 OSHA Office of Training an
