Trench Safety Stand-down (TSSD) Week is scheduled for June 19-23, 2023. 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, 39 people died while doing trench or excavation work in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
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 22,572 participants from 345 organizations across 1,967 job sites.
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.