Every year, people are killed or seriously injured when working in excavations. Excavation work has to be properly planned, managed, supervised and carried out to prevent accidents.  Before digging any excavations, it is important to plan against the following:

• collapse of the sides;
• materials falling onto people working in the excavation;
• people and vehicles falling into the excavation;
• people being struck by plant;
• undermining nearby structures;
• contact with underground services;
• access to the excavation;
• fumes; and
• accidents to members of the public.