Scout's Toolbox Talks

If a trench doesn’t have protection, don’t go in. Not for a tool. Not to “just take a look.” Not for anything.

Why It Matters:

Many trench fatalities happen in seconds — often to workers who entered a trench for a quick task. Just because it held yesterday doesn’t mean it’ll hold today. One step into an unprotected trench is one step toward a preventable death.

Key Points:

• No one enters a trench without verified protection — sloping, shoring, or shielding.
• “It’ll only take a second” is not a valid reason. Collapses happen in less time than that.
• Always ask the Competent Person to confirm that protections are in place.
• Supervisors must support a culture where refusing unsafe entry is respected, not punished.

🔺 No protection = No entry. Period.

Ask the Crew:

• Have you ever been pressured to enter a trench without proper protection?
• Do you feel confident speaking up or stopping the work?
• Are we checking that protections are in place before every entry?

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