Safety in Every Scoop: How Halemeyer Group Keeps Trenching and Utility Work OSHA-Compliant

courtney clark
Oct 10
2 min read

In commercial construction, trenching is one of the most high-risk activities on any jobsite—and one of the most overlooked. For general contractors (GCs) and electrical contractors (ECs), safety and compliance aren’t just checkboxes—they’re requirements that protect workers, budgets, and project timelines.

At Halemeyer Group, we take that responsibility seriously. Our trenching and underground utility work doesn’t just meet OSHA standards—it’s built around them. From soil analysis to shoring and utility locating, we put safety first in every phase of excavation.

1. OSHA-Compliant Trenching from Start to Finish

We don’t cut corners when it comes to safety. Our crews follow strict OSHA guidelines for every trench we dig, including:

Proper sloping, shoring, or shielding depending on soil classification.
Daily inspections by a trained and competent person.
Safe ingress and egress with ladders or ramps in trenches deeper than 4 feet.
Continuous monitoring for water accumulation or soil movement.

This level of compliance keeps our crews safe—and ensures our partners can move forward without inspection delays or safety violations.

2. Utility Locating and Damage Prevention

Before the first bucket hits the ground, we make sure every underground utility is properly identified and marked. We coordinate with local utility locate services and verify markings on-site to prevent costly—and dangerous—strikes.

That means no damaged lines, no unexpected downtime, and no expensive repairs.

3. Soil Stability and Site Assessment

Different soil types require different excavation methods. Our experienced operators assess the soil before digging to determine:

Proper slope angles and benching requirements.
Whether trench boxes or shoring are needed.
Moisture content and stability under weather changes.

This level of attention keeps trenches stable and ensures the long-term integrity of the work being installed.

4. Training, Equipment, and Accountability

Every Halemeyer Group operator is trained not just to dig—but to dig safely. Our team uses modern, well-maintained equipment, and we conduct ongoing training on:

OSHA trenching and excavation standards.
Jobsite hazard recognition.
Emergency procedures and confined space awareness.

We hold ourselves accountable because the safety of our team and our partners’ crews depends on it.

5. Why It Matters for GCs and ECs

When you bring Halemeyer Group onto a project, you’re not just getting a subcontractor who can dig trenches—you’re getting a partner who understands liability, documentation, and inspection readiness. We help protect your jobsite, your schedule, and your reputation.

Fewer delays. No citations. No surprises.

A Safer, Smarter Way to Build

At Halemeyer Group, safety isn’t an add-on—it’s part of our process. From the first dig to the final pour, we make sure every trench meets both OSHA standards and your project’s specifications.

Let’s Build Safely Together

If you’re a GC or EC in Middle Tennessee looking for a trenching and utility subcontractor who self-performs and puts safety first, Halemeyer Group is ready to get to work.