SWA Code
Excavation work
Trenches + excavations safety code.
In plain English
This code covers safe excavation work, including trenches, to protect workers from risks like collapse and falling objects.
SafeWork NSW developed this code. It applies to anyone doing excavation work in NSW. The code outlines how to manage risks. This includes planning, designing, and constructing excavations. It also covers soil testing and worker training. The code is a model code of practice. It was last revised in 2023.
Why it matters
If your business digs trenches or excavations, this code is vital. Following it helps prevent serious injuries. It demonstrates a commitment to worker safety and reduces potential legal risks.
AI-assisted summary, grounded in the source link below. Generated 2026-05-23 via gemma3:12b.
Issuing regulator
SAFEWORK-NSW →Topics
Source: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-excavation-work. Rules Mate indexes + summarises; always verify against the regulator's live publication.