Scout's Toolbox Talks

Spoil Pile Placement

Toolbox Talk:

Use Spoil Barriers When Needed

June 22, 2025

On slopes or loose terrain, physical barriers help prevent spoil from sliding into the trench.

Why It Matters:

Spoil that shifts or collapses into the trench adds sudden pressure to the walls — a major cause of cave-ins. This is especially dangerous after rain, vibration, or if soil is unstable.

Key Points:

  • Use berms, trench shields, cribbing, or other barriers where rollback is possible.
  • Never pile spoil on soft, wet, or sloped ground without reinforcement.
  • After storms or equipment movement, reinspect spoil stability.
  • Keep equipment and foot traffic away from unstable piles.

Barriers stop accidents before they start.

Ask the Crew:

  • Should we have spoil barriers set up here?
  • Is the ground under our spoil piles compacted and stable?