Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are much more likely than other excavationrelated accidents to result in worker fatalities. Other potential hazards include falls, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres, and incidents involving mobile equipment.Click to see full answer. Regarding this, what are the hazards of excavation? The hazards and risks are usually: The undermining of nearby structures causing their collapse into the excavation. Damage to underground services during excavation work causing electrocution, explosion, gas escape, flooding etc. Ingress of water causing flooding.Likewise, what are the ways to avoid excavation hazards? Set spoils and equipment at least 2 feet back from the excavation. Use retaining devices, such as a trench box, that will extend above the top of the trench to prevent equipment and spoils from falling back into the excavation. Also to know, is fire a hazard associated with excavations? Flammable/Combustible/Explosive Atmospheres: Volatile organic compounds found in petroleum products can move through small spaces in soils and accumulate in excavations. This can create both a fire and toxic hazard. Buried tanks next to an excavation site are a common source of these compounds.How common are trenching safety violations?According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, between 2011 and 2016 there were 130 fatalities occurring in trenching and excavation operations. Earlier this year, the agency announced proposed penalties in excess of $400,000 against a company for alleged exposure to trench cave-ins and other violations.