The Official Website of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD)

Labor and Workforce Development

New Trench Regulation to Protect Public Safety goes into effect March 1, 2009


To learn more about the trench safety regulation, promulgated jointly by the Department of Public Safety and the Division of Occupational Safety, designed to protect members of the public from trench-related injuries, visit DPS Website: www.mass.gov/dps and click on “trenches”

DOS reminds those engaged in construction that trenches are recognized as one of the most hazardous construction conditions for workers and the public.

The OSHA Excavation Standard, which applies to private sector contractors, is also the standard in Massachusetts for municipal workers.  State agencies and authorities whose employees are engaged in excavation are strongly encouraged to follow this standard as well.  To learn more, download DOS’ Trench Safety Poster at: http://www.mass.gov/Elwd/docs/dos/consult/2007-12_trench_safety_poster.pdf or visit www.osha.gov/SLTC/trenchingexcavation/index.html