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NSW · Code

Excavation work

Made under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
The NSW Code of Practice for Excavation Work is approved under s 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and provides practical guidance on managing health and safety risks of excavation work, including trenchin...
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Version as at 31 Jan 2020 Compiled version

Current Topics 6

COP minimum compliance duty — WHS Act s 26A commenced 1 July 2026

Aug 2026
From 1 July 2026, PCBUs must comply with NSW Codes of Practice (including Excavation Work) as minimum performance standards under WHS Act 20...
High
1 citation

Excavation stability: shoring, battering and protective systems

Jul 2026
PCBUs must assess and control excavation instability risks through shoring, battering, benching or other protective systems based on soil ty...
High
1 citation

Information, training, instruction and supervision for excavation work

Oct 2026
A PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the information, training, instruction and supervision needed to protect all person...
Medium
1 citation

Managing underground essential services during excavation

Jul 2026
PCBUs must identify and manage risks from underground essential services before and during excavation work, including mandatory consultation...
High
2 citations

NSW Code of Practice: Excavation Work — Scope and Legal Status

Jul 2026
Approved NSW COP providing practical guidance on excavation work risks (trenching, tunnelling, underground services) under the WHS Act 2011....
High
2 citations

PCBU safety checklist — earthmoving plant and excavations

Jul 2026
SafeWork NSW provides a PCBU safety checklist for earthmoving plant and excavations to assist duty-holders with pre-work planning and on-sit...
Low
1 citation

Recent updates

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1 Jul 2026 · Amended

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Citations tracked8
Topics tracked6
Every update cites a regulator, parliament, or legislation register.

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