Excavation during construction requires careful planning and practices because it poses many risks, one of the most dangerous being cave-ins. To lower the risk, many have adopted shoring plates as precautionary measures. In today’s article, we’ll be talking about the top safety benefits of using trench shoring plates as one of the key elements that prevent soil collapse by providing reinforcements to trench walls.
What are shoring plates, and how do they work?
Trench shoring plates are large, flat plates typically used during excavations and trenches, helping with stability by transferring the load of the soil to the surrounding structure. Otherwise called steel plates, these heavy-duty plates are used by construction builders in combination with steel beams to create a shoring system that prevents cave-ins from walls, adding further protection from the workers.
What are the top safety benefits of trench shoring plates?
They prevent cave-ins.
The principal use of shoring plates is to prevent the biggest threat during excavations, which is cave-ins. By providing support through reinforcing the soil, the shoring plates lower the risk of soil collapse by a large margin.
They boost worker safety.
With the potential of cave-ins lowering, shoring plates enhance worker safety, providing a safe and sound working environment for construction workers. With their safety guaranteed, they can focus more on their work, thus boosting productivity that adds to a positive workspace.
They protect underground utilities.
Working on brownfields, or land that was previously used for something else, often comes with several considerations. For one, new developers need to be mindful during excavation since they run the risk of damaging underground utilities like water pipes, electrical cables, and gas lines. By using shoring plates, these elements help protect the said utilities to prevent soil damage and collapse, which can lead to service disruptions.
They comply with the building’s safety regulations.
Many, if not all, jurisdictions require strict safety regulations when it comes to excavation. This is where shoring plates come in handy because they comply with strict rules and regulations. To show their commitment to upholding the safety and security of the workplace, contractors can use shoring plates, thus avoiding potential legal issues in the future.
They are cost-effective solutions.
Sometimes, to cut costs, many developers opt not to use shoring plates; little did they know that they run the risk of exhausting more of their funds by sacrificing the safety and progress of the project. Investing in shoring plates outweighs the cost because it prevents accidents in the workplace. With the equipment and construction workers placed in a safe space, they can be more productive at work with reduced downtime.
To wrap it up, shoring plates are one of the most crucial components in construction that ensure the safety of the workers and the overall project. Using shoring plates also showcases contractors’ commitment to safety, which further enhances their overall reputation. By understanding the key benefits of shoring plates, contractors can make more informed decisions to prioritize their workers’ safety and security, as well as guaranteeing the project’s success.