The obligation
PCBUs must assess and control excavation instability risks through shoring, battering, benching or other protective systems based on soil type, groundwater, surcharge loads and excavation depth.
The COP requires PCBUs to assess ground stability before and during excavation work, considering soil type, moisture content, groundwater presence, faults, adjacent surcharge loads (buildings, plant, stockpiles), and nearby vibration sources. Where stability cannot be ensured by battering or benching alone, engineered shoring or other protective systems must be installed. Workers must not enter an unsupported excavation that presents a risk of collapse.
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- What
- PCBUs must assess and control excavation instability risks through shoring, battering, benching or other protective systems based on soil type, groundwater, surcharge loads and excavation depth.
- Source
- safework.nsw.gov.au
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Labels
shoring
stability
collapse
battering
benching
excavation
risk assessment
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Excavation stability: shoring, battering and protective systems is a WHS requirement set out in Excavation work (NSW). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW). The relevant provision is Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) > Codes of Practice > Excavation Work > Stability and Support.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Excavation stability: shoring, battering and protective systems is a WHS obligation under Excavation work (NSW). In short, PCBUs must assess and control excavation instability risks through shoring, battering, benching or other protective systems based on soil type, groundwater, surcharge loads and excavation depth.
What changed recently?
Excavation stability: shoring, battering and protective systems was last updated on 13 August 2026.
