Excavation & trench checklist
An excavation checklist confirms the ground and the dig are managed before work starts. A trench or shaft deeper than 1.5 metres is high risk construction work needing a SWMS, but shallow trenches kill people too. Use this to check services, support, and separation.
Excavation & trench checklist
Company: ____________
Site: ____________
Date: ____________
Before digging
| Dial Before You Dig plans obtained and services located | N/A · Action | |
| Services potholed by hand before machine digging | N/A · Action | |
| SWMS in place for excavation and depth assessed | N/A · Action | |
| Overhead powerlines identified and clearance planned | N/A · Action |
During work
| Trench walls supported (shoring, benching, battering) at 1.5 m+ | N/A · Action | |
| Spoil and plant kept back from the edge | N/A · Action | |
| Safe access and egress within 25 m of workers | N/A · Action | |
| Workers clear of the excavator slew zone | N/A · Action | |
| Barricades and signage around the excavation | N/A · Action | |
| Water ingress and ground movement monitored | N/A · Action |
Completed by: ____________________
Signature: ____________________
swmspack.com · Free printable checklist. Not legal advice; adapt to your site.
Common questions
▸At what depth does a trench need support?
A trench 1.5 metres or deeper must have its walls supported by shoring, benching, or battering under the WHS Regulations, and is high risk construction work requiring a SWMS.
▸Do I need a SWMS for excavation?
Yes, if the trench or shaft is deeper than 1.5 metres, or the work involves other high risk categories like movement of powered mobile plant or work near services.
Excavation work needs a SWMS. Generate an excavation SWMS in minutes.
A checklist confirms controls are in place; a SWMS is the document the law requires before high risk construction work starts. Generate a site-specific one for your trade.