6.2 Caught-In or Between Hazards

Caught-in or between hazards arise in many of the same situations as struck-by hazards. A worker can be caught between a falling slab and a foundation, pinned between a vehicle and a structure, caught inside a trench that was not braced and has collapsed, or buried under stored material that was not stacked to prevent sliding. Excavation work is a major cause: in 2005 most citations for caught-in or between hazards were for excavation operations.

Preventing caught-in or between injuries

Engineering controls such as shoring, fall protection systems and proper stacking of materials are the main defences.

• Never allow workers to enter an unprotected trench or excavation that is 5 feet deep or more unless an adequate protective system is in place. In some cases a trench less than 5 feet deep also needs one.
• Protect the trench by sloping, shoring, benching or a trench shield.
• Follow the fall protection requirements of the construction standard.
• Stack building materials clear of work areas so that they do not shift or slide onto workers.
• Keep guards on machines, and lock out equipment before any work on it.

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