Trench Safety Stand-down (TSSD) Week is scheduled for June 17-23, 2024. Each year, the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) holds this event to encourage employers to talk to their employees about trench safety and reinforce the importance of utilizing protective systems (e.g., sloping, shoring, and shielding) to safeguard workers from trenching and excavation hazards. The event coincides with Trench Safety Month, which takes place throughout the month of June.

This article provides more information on the purpose of TSSD Week, the history of the event, who can participate, and how to participate.

In 2022, 40 people died while doing trench or excavation work in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Purpose

TSSD Week aims to reduce the number of trench-related fatalities and injuries that occur each year by providing as many employees as possible who work in and around trenches and excavations with information regarding current requirements and safety procedures. Last year, the event reached 25,800 employees on 2,487 job sites from 455 companies.

History

TSSD Week started in 2016 when NUCA held its first event for the utility construction industry. Today, lessons and demonstrations are held at thousands of NUCA-member job sites each June.

Who can participate

While anyone interested in preventing trenching and excavation hazards on the job can participate in TSSD Week, certain industries and professionals (e.g., utility, residential and highway construction, plumbers, military, unions, associations, educational institutes, and safety equipment manufacturers) are highly encouraged to participate.

How to participate

To participate in TSSD Week, companies can take time during the event to have a toolbox talk with their employees or engage in other safety activities that draw attention to specific hazards related to working in and around trenches and excavations.

For more information and resources on TSSD Week, visit the NUCA website.

​

The content of this News Brief is of general interest and is not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It should not be regarded as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice. © 2024 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.