The excavation safety checklist is used prior to all construction site excavations. Protective systems and pre-dig checks are included in this checklist.
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With SafetyCulture you can
Digitize any process, procedure or policy
Eliminate mistakes made by paper-based processes
Create and share professional reports instantly
Confirm accountability and compliance with a digital log
This construction site safety audit checklist helps site managers and inspectors assess compliance across critical areas including access and egress, scaffolding and access equipment, asbestos management, confined spaces and lone working, COSHH, demolition operations, edge protection, electrical safety, environmental management, excavations and earthworks, fall arrest and safety netting, fire risk management, first aid readiness, housekeeping, health and safety plans, inductions and sign-in, lifting operations and equipment, low-level access, manual handling, mobile towers, occupational health and HAVS, PPE availability and registers, plant and equipment, registers and records, RAMS for all trades and activities, protection of the public, scaffolding and working platforms, site security and CCTV, site setup and statutory signage, specialist operations, storage of substances and fuels, temporary works to BS5975, traffic management and pedestrian segregation, training and certifications, waste management, welfare facilities, working at height, site H and S file, cleanliness, lighting, and accident and near-miss recording.
Use this pre-dig checklist to ensure safe, compliant excavation. Verify dig ticket numbers, expiration dates, and positive response status. Record utility locate responses, document markings, capture site photos, and confirm soft digs, hand clearing, and vacuum excavation where required. Coordinate with utility owners and inspectors, including 811 and USIC, before proceeding. Obtain signatures from operator and supervisor once all conditions are met.
This pre-excavation safety checklist helps teams plan and control excavation work on construction sites. It guides competent persons through soil analysis and classification, selection and inspection of protective systems such as shoring, shielding, sloping, or benching, and verification of utility locates and traffic control. It covers PPE, access and egress, hazard controls, and daily inspections, with fields for site details and sign-off by the competent person and site supervisor.