Job Safety Analysis: Trench Dewatering

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess trench and work area Trench collapse, unstable edges, standing water, traffic hazards Perform site walk; identify soil conditions; mark exclusion zone; use trench boxes or shoring as needed; set up traffic control if roadside
Inspect pumps, hoses, and equipment Pump failure, cracked hoses, electrical hazards, fuel leaks Conduct pre operation inspection; check hoses for damage; ensure pump intake is unobstructed; verify GFCI protection for electric pumps
Don required PPE Slips, contaminants, debris hazards Wear gloves, boots or waders, safety glasses, and high visibility vest
Secure trench access Falls, slips entering or exiting trench Use ladders that extend above trench edge; ensure ladders are secured; maintain three points of contact
Establish safe pump location Pump tipping, electrical contact with water, flooding Place pump on stable, elevated ground; keep electrical components out of trench; protect cords from water contact
Place suction hose in trench Drowning hazard, hose whip, back strain Use two workers for large hoses; attach strainer securely; avoid standing directly in front of intake
Position discharge hose Erosion, sediment release, slippery surfaces Direct water to approved discharge area; use sediment bags or silt socks; avoid creating runoff onto roads or neighboring property
Start pump and monitor operation Hose movement, flying debris, pump recoil Start pump slowly; check connections; stand clear of hose movement; ensure trench box or shoring remains stable
Monitor trench conditions Rising water, wall sloughing, voids forming Assign lookout; exit trench immediately if walls show cracking, bulging, or movement; adjust shoring if needed
Control sediment discharge Regulatory compliance, environmental impact Use dewatering bags, settling basins, or natural vegetative buffers; monitor discharge clarity
Refuel pumps safely Fire hazards, spills, vapors Shut down pump and allow cooling before refueling; keep fuel away from trench; use spill pads and store fuel upright
Clear pump blockages Exposure to contaminants, hose pressure release Shut off pump; relieve pressure; use tools to clear debris; avoid placing hands near intake
Relocate or reposition pump Lifting injuries, equipment instability Use team lift; keep pump level while moving; secure electrical cords or fuel lines
Shutdown pump Burns from hot surfaces, hose draining hazards Turn off pump; allow cooling; drain hoses safely; avoid spilling water onto walking surfaces
Decontaminate equipment Spread of contaminants, slip hazards Rinse pump, hoses, boots, and tools before loading; dispose of sediment properly
Restore trench area Trip hazards, unstable edges Backfill or secure trench if work is complete; remove excess water; ensure safe condition before reopening area
Remove traffic control Exposure to moving vehicles Remove cones and signage in reverse order; maintain lookout; wear high visibility PPE until fully clear

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Hard hat

  • Safety glasses or face shield

  • High visibility vest or jacket

  • Steel toe boots

  • Waterproof boots or waders

  • Cut resistant gloves

  • Long pants and long sleeves

  • Hearing protection around pumps or generators

  • Respirator if odors or unknown contaminants are present

Typical Equipment

  • Trash pump or submersible pump

  • Suction and discharge hoses

  • Strainers, filters, or well points

  • Generators and GFCI protected electrical connections

  • Sandbags, silt socks, or dewatering bags

  • Fuel supplies stored safely away from the trench

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: Stormwater, Drainage, and Waterways

* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.

Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.

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Job Safety Analysis
Department: __________________________________
Job/Task:   Trench Dewatering
Location: __________________________________
Date: ____ /____ /____
Supervisor: __________________________________
Crew: __________________________________
Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess trench and work area Trench collapse, unstable edges, standing water, traffic hazards Perform site walk; identify soil conditions; mark exclusion zone; use trench boxes or shoring as needed; set up traffic control if roadside
Inspect pumps, hoses, and equipment Pump failure, cracked hoses, electrical hazards, fuel leaks Conduct pre operation inspection; check hoses for damage; ensure pump intake is unobstructed; verify GFCI protection for electric pumps
Don required PPE Slips, contaminants, debris hazards Wear gloves, boots or waders, safety glasses, and high visibility vest
Secure trench access Falls, slips entering or exiting trench Use ladders that extend above trench edge; ensure ladders are secured; maintain three points of contact
Establish safe pump location Pump tipping, electrical contact with water, flooding Place pump on stable, elevated ground; keep electrical components out of trench; protect cords from water contact
Place suction hose in trench Drowning hazard, hose whip, back strain Use two workers for large hoses; attach strainer securely; avoid standing directly in front of intake
Position discharge hose Erosion, sediment release, slippery surfaces Direct water to approved discharge area; use sediment bags or silt socks; avoid creating runoff onto roads or neighboring property
Start pump and monitor operation Hose movement, flying debris, pump recoil Start pump slowly; check connections; stand clear of hose movement; ensure trench box or shoring remains stable
Monitor trench conditions Rising water, wall sloughing, voids forming Assign lookout; exit trench immediately if walls show cracking, bulging, or movement; adjust shoring if needed
Control sediment discharge Regulatory compliance, environmental impact Use dewatering bags, settling basins, or natural vegetative buffers; monitor discharge clarity
Refuel pumps safely Fire hazards, spills, vapors Shut down pump and allow cooling before refueling; keep fuel away from trench; use spill pads and store fuel upright
Clear pump blockages Exposure to contaminants, hose pressure release Shut off pump; relieve pressure; use tools to clear debris; avoid placing hands near intake
Relocate or reposition pump Lifting injuries, equipment instability Use team lift; keep pump level while moving; secure electrical cords or fuel lines
Shutdown pump Burns from hot surfaces, hose draining hazards Turn off pump; allow cooling; drain hoses safely; avoid spilling water onto walking surfaces
Decontaminate equipment Spread of contaminants, slip hazards Rinse pump, hoses, boots, and tools before loading; dispose of sediment properly
Restore trench area Trip hazards, unstable edges Backfill or secure trench if work is complete; remove excess water; ensure safe condition before reopening area
Remove traffic control Exposure to moving vehicles Remove cones and signage in reverse order; maintain lookout; wear high visibility PPE until fully clear
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

Typical Equipment


Supervisor signature: __________________________________
Employee initials: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________