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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how excavation risks are identified and managed at work. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions before or during ground works. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check everyday Work Health and Safety practices on excavation sites.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control for excavation activities. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current practices manage risks well and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Excavation work can involve sudden and serious hazards, especially as ground conditions change. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like when planning and carrying out excavation tasks. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for WHS improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how excavation work is actually carried out rather than how it is expected to occur. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real site conditions, soil types, and work methods.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when ground conditions, work stages, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how excavation risks are identified and managed in practice, not just on written documents. They look for evidence that hazards such as ground collapse, services, and access are recognised, risks are assessed, and controls are applied before and during work. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that excavation risks are actively reviewed.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues identified lead to practical changes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What types of work are considered excavation work?
Excavation work includes digging, trenching, tunnelling, or removing earth. The checklist helps review how risks are managed during these activities.
Is this checklist only for deep excavations?
No. Risks can exist in shallow excavations as well. The checklist is suitable for a range of excavation depths and site conditions.
Does completing the checklist make excavation work safe?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not control risks on its own. It supports review and improvement.
When should excavation risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful before work starts, when conditions change, or when new hazards are identified. Many businesses also review regularly.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s304–s306 – Excavation Work – Establishes duties for managing risks associated with excavation work, including ground stability and underground services.
Regulation s299–s303 – High Risk Construction Work and SWMS – Sets requirements for high risk construction work, including preparation and implementation of safe work method statements for excavation activities.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.