The obligation
Approved NSW COP providing practical guidance on excavation work risks (trenching, tunnelling, underground services) under the WHS Act 2011. From 1 July 2026, compliance with the COP is the minimum standard required of PCBUs under s 26A.
The NSW Code of Practice for Excavation Work was approved under WHS Act 2011 s 274 and commenced 18 July 2014; revised minor wording corrections took effect 31 January 2020. It covers risk management for all excavation work including trenching, shoring, underground essential services, and earthmoving plant.
…
- What
- Approved NSW COP providing practical guidance on excavation work risks (trenching, tunnelling, underground services) under the WHS Act 2011. From 1 July 2026, compliance with the COP is the minimum standard required of PCBUs under s 26A.
- Source
- safework.nsw.gov.au
description
Full analysis
lock
Free account
tips_and_updates
What this means for you
lock
Free account
lock_open
Read the full analysis, tailored to your industry
- star
Impact summary tailored to your industry
- check_circle
Full plain-English analysis of what changed
- check_circle
Email alerts & digests when this law changes
- check_circle
Compliance self-assessment tools
Labels
excavation
trenching
tunnelling
underground services
PCBU
construction
code of practice
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
NSW Code of Practice: Excavation Work — Scope and Legal Status 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 § s 274; s 26A.
What does this WHS obligation require?
NSW Code of Practice: Excavation Work — Scope and Legal Status is a WHS obligation under Excavation work (NSW). In short, Approved NSW COP providing practical guidance on excavation work risks (trenching, tunnelling, underground services) under the WHS Act 2011. From 1 July 2026, compliance with the COP is the minimum standard required of PCBUs under s 26A.
What changed recently?
NSW Code of Practice: Excavation Work — Scope and Legal Status was last updated on 13 August 2026.
