Digging into the ground to remove soil and rock — to install foundations, pipes, or prepare a site for construction.
The process of mechanically removing earth, rock, or other materials from a site to achieve a required depth, shape, or profile for foundations, utilities, grading, or other purposes. OSHA regulates excavation safety with requirements for sloping, shoring, or trench boxes based on soil classification and depth. Excavations deeper than 5 feet require protective systems.
OSHA violations were cited when workers entered an 8-foot trench excavation that had no shoring or sloping protection.
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