What type of hazard is primarily associated with excavation work?

Cave-ins are a critical hazard associated with excavation work due to the unstable nature of soil and the potential for unprotected excavations to collapse. When workers are excavating, especially in deep trenches or pits, the walls of the excavation can become unstable and give way without warning, posing a significant risk to anyone inside. Proper safety measures, such as shoring, benching, or sloping the excavation walls, are essential to prevent cave-ins and protect workers.

While electrical hazards, slip and fall risks, and potential accidents involving heavy machinery are all important safety concerns in construction and excavation activities, the most immediate and life-threatening risk during excavation work specifically relates to the danger of cave-ins. Therefore, the primary focus in excavation safety training is to address and mitigate the risks associated with cave-ins.