Commitment to Safety

Safe, Systematic, Structured 

We maintain rigorous procedures in our approach to the environment, health and safety and quality management. Complying with Safe Work practices, Chain of Responsibility (CoR) legislation, relevant laws, and codes of practice are a vital component of working within our industry.

Managing risks  

We must, so far as is reasonably practicable, eliminate or minimise risks associated with excavation. This involves: 

  • identifying hazards—find out what could go wrong and what could cause harm. 
  • assessing risks if necessary—understand the harm each hazard could cause, how serious the harm could be and the likelihood of it happening. 
  • controlling risks—implement the most effective control measures that are reasonably practicable in the circumstances. 
  • reviewing control measures to ensure they are working as planned. 

Some of the most common excavation hazards are: 

  • falls from one level to another 
  • falling or dislodging earth or rock 
  • vibration and hazardous noise 
  • exposure to airborne contaminants. 

Before excavation work starts, clients must: 

  • ensure all asbestos that may be disturbed by the excavation work is removed by a competent person.  
  • contact Dial Before You Dig to check locations of electrical cables and other assets. Information on underground essential services must be: 
  • made available to workers, principal contractor and subcontractors 
  • readily available for inspection 
  • kept until the work finishes or for at least 2 years after a notifiable incident. 

For further information, see the model Code of Practice: Excavation work.  

High risk construction work 

Some excavation work is high risk construction work. For example, if work is being carried out:   

  • in or near a shaft or trench that is 1.5 metres deep, or a tunnel 
  • where there is a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, and 
  • where there is a risk of mobile powered plant colliding with pedestrians or other powered mobile plant. 

We must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement before high risk construction work begins.  

Supporting information