Australia Excavation & Trenching Safety Checklist

This excavation and trenching safety checklist ensures compliance with SafeWork Australia Code of Practice for Excavation Work, WHS Regulations, and AS 4678. Excavation work over 1.5m is classified as high-risk construction work requiring a SWMS. All underground services must be located before excavation through Dial Before You Dig (1100).

Industry: Construction
Frequency: Daily / Before excavation
Estimated Time: 15-25 minutes
Role: Site Supervisor / WHS Officer
Total Items: 28
Compliance: WHS Regulations 2011, SafeWork Australia Excavation Work Code of Practice, AS 4678, AS 1742.3

Pre-Excavation Planning

Planning requirements before excavation commences.

Dial Before You Dig (1100) enquiry completed?
All underground services located and marked?
Geotechnical report obtained (if depth >1.5m)?
SWMS prepared for excavation (high-risk work)?
Required permits obtained (council, road authority)?

Trench/Excavation Stability

Stability measures per SafeWork Australia Excavation Code of Practice.

Shoring/trench shields installed (>1.5m depth)?
Batter angle appropriate for soil type?
Benching steps adequate and stable?
Spoil placed minimum 1m from edge?
Trench walls stable with no signs of collapse?

Access & Egress

Safe entry and exit from excavations.

Ladders provided within 9m travel distance?
Ladders extend 1m above trench edge?
Ramps/stairs stable and safe for use?
Workers not jumping in/out of excavations?

Atmosphere & Water Management

Atmospheric and water hazard management.

Atmosphere tested if >1.5m deep (O2, LEL, toxics)?
Mechanical ventilation provided if required?
Dewatering pumps operational if water ingress?
Weather conditions monitored for rain/flooding risk?

Edge Protection & Barriers

Barriers and protection around excavation perimeter.

Physical barriers installed around excavation edges?
Warning signage posted at excavation?
Night marking/lighting provided for open excavations?
Vehicles kept safe distance from edge (min 1m + depth)?
Pedestrian diversions in place if near public?

Plant Operations Near Excavation

Safe operation of plant near excavations.

Spotter in place for plant near excavation edges?
Hand dig within 500mm of known services?
Safe distance from overhead powerlines maintained?
Vibration impact on adjacent structures assessed?
Additional observations