What are the NSW Work Health and Safety requirements for excavation?

## NSW Work Health and Safety Requirements for Excavation Excavation is classified as high-risk construction work under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017. Understanding your WHS obligations before hiring and operating an excavator is essential. ### Key NSW WHS Requirements for Excavation **1. Dial Before You Dig (mandatory)** Before any excavation, you must call 1100 or visit dialbeforeyoudig.com.au to identify underground services. This is a legal requirement under the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Striking an underground service can cause death, serious injury, or significant property damage. **2. Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)** A SWMS is required for all high-risk construction work, including: - Excavation to a depth greater than 1.5 metres - Excavation near a road or railway - Excavation near an existing structure The SWMS must identify the hazards, assess the risks, and specify the control measures to be implemented. **3. Trench Shoring** For trenches deeper than 1.5 metres, NSW WHS regulations require either: - Shoring or benching to prevent collapse, or - A SWMS addressing the risk of trench collapse with appropriate control measures Sandy soils are particularly prone to trench collapse — shoring is strongly recommended for sandy soil trenches over 1.2m deep. **4. High Risk Work Licence** Operating an excavator of 3 tonnes or more requires a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) with an Excavator (EX) endorsement, issued by SafeWork NSW. Excavators under 3 tonnes (BuildHire's 0.8T, 1T, and 1.7T) do not require a licence. **5. Exclusion Zones** No person should be within 5 metres of an operating excavator unless they are directly involved in the work and are protected by appropriate controls. **6. Overhead Services** Before operating an excavator near overhead power lines, contact Ausgrid or Endeavour Energy to determine safe working distances. Operating near energised power lines without approval is extremely dangerous. ### SafeWork NSW Resources - SafeWork NSW: safework.nsw.gov.au - Dial Before You Dig: dialbeforeyoudig.com.au or 1100 - High Risk Work Licence applications: safework.nsw.gov.au/licences-and-registrations ### BuildHire's WHS Commitment BuildHire provides all hirers with a WHS information sheet at the time of booking, covering key obligations for excavation work in NSW. Call 1300 157 882 if you have questions about WHS requirements for your specific project.