Before excavation work begins, employers must take several important safety and preparatory steps including:

• Determine the approximate location of underground utility installations such as sewer, telephone, fuel, electric, and water lines by contacting utility companies and using detection equipment if necessary.
• Notify and coordinate with utility companies or owners to mark or relocate utilities as needed.
• Thoroughly inspect the site and remove or support any surface encumbrances such as equipment, materials, or structures that could pose a hazard.
• Ensure protective systems such as shoring, sloping, or shielding are in place to prevent cave-ins.
• Conduct daily inspections of the excavation, adjacent areas, and protective systems by a competent person before and during excavation activities.
• Establish safe entry and exit points for workers, and implement measures to safeguard workers from hazards such as falling loads, cave-ins, and hazardous atmospheres.
• Provide employees with necessary information, training, supervision, and personal protective equipment relevant to excavation work.
• Install appropriate fencing or barriers to protect workers and the public from the excavation area.
• Obtain all necessary permits, authorizations, and notifications concerning the work.

These measures are critical to ensuring worker safety and compliance with occupational safety regulations before starting excavation operations.