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Safety Saturday: Trench Safety

June 19, 2022

Trenching and excavation is among the most hazardous work in the construction industry. Shockingly, two workers are killed every month in trench collapses on the jobsite; furthermore, thousands are seriously injured each year due to cave-ins. With statistics like that, we are amplifying the message of Trench Safety Month alongside the National Utility Contractors Association. 


Following these safety tips can reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries that occur each year in the construction industry; as well as make others, such as municipal and industrial workers who are exposed, aware of these serious hazards.

  • Enter only trenches that have been sloped at the proper angle, shored, or shielded by trench boxes.
  • Stay alert when working in or near previously disturbed soil conditions.
  • Do not permit vehicles near the edge of the trench.
  • Never climb on shoring or shields. Use a ladder or ramp to safely get in and out of the trench.
  • Wear hard hats when working in or around trenches.
  • Eliminate or control water accumulation before entering the trench.
  • Check regularly for hazardous materials and oxygen levels in the trench.
  • Stay out from under raised loads.
  • Inspect trenches at the start of each shift and as needed, throughout the workday.



OSHA Trench Requirements to Increase Safety

To protect workers, OSHA requires employers to train all their workers about trench safety. OSHA also requires every excavation 5 ft or more in depth to be protected by a trench protective system – sloping, shoring, or shielding. In addition, even when trenches are less than 4- or 5-ft deep a competent person must make a judgement call about whether or not it is safe to enter into the trench and then take appropriate action. According to OSHA, a competent person is someone who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. If in doubt, one should exercise caution and use a trench protective system to ensure workers are not injured or worse, killed in the trench.



Practice the 3 S's of Trench Safety

Trench walls collapsing can happen in an instant, burying the workers under potentially thousands of pounds of soil. These types of incidents are tragic. They are also preventable. Vogt Engineering and the National Utility Contractors Association urges you to practice the 3 S’s of Trench Safety: Sloping, Shoring, and Shields.

Vogt Engineering Celebrates National Bike Month

By Tiffany Marascio • May 17, 2024
May is National Bike Month, but Vogt Engineering celebrates and encourages biking all year. Our team enjoys using our office bikes to get out and experience nature, taking advantage of our central location in The Woodlands Town Center. About National Bike Month National Bike Month, after many previous iterations, was officially established in 1956. Today, National Bike Month is sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists , which incorporates accessible ways to start biking by hosting smaller experiences such as National Bike to Work Week (usually held the third week of May), and Bike to Work Day (usually that Friday). Health Benefits According to the Harvard School of Public Health , biking can help “improve mental health by lowering stress levels and stimulating feel-good endorphins.” Other health benefits include: improved cardiovascular fitness stronger muscles greater coordination and general mobility reduced body fat Vogt's Commitment to our Team and the Environment One of Vogt Engineering’s major considerations when looking for an office was easily accessible trails for riding bikes and walking. We are fortunate to have found a great place to be with our great team of people. Not only is biking and being outdoors good for mental and physical health, but we value working with the environment in everything we do. Although many civil engineering projects require earth movement, Vogt is committed to finding solutions that complement the natural surroundings of the site. Get Involved There are many local entities that organize Bike Month events, including The Woodlands, Harris County Precinct 3 (at Burroughs Park), and more.

Vogt Engineering Supports Pride Month

June 23, 2023
When hate is loud, love should be louder

Safety Saturday: Forklift Safety

June 8, 2023
The industrial truck manufacturing sector has been an important and active part of the American economy for 100 years. Texas is a state where industrial truck firms have generated one of the highest economic impacts, nearly $2.7 Billion. We can continue to be safe and free from injury by following these tips and by encouraging workers to stay abreast of forklift operator training.
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