The State of UK Groundworks
Groundworks remain one of the most high-risk areas in UK construction, where safety, efficiency, and sustainability going hand in hand.
According to the latest HSE data, construction continues to record the highest number of workplace fatalities across all sectors, with 51 worker deaths in 2023/24. In the same period, there were over 600,000 non-fatal injuries and 33.7 million working days lost due to ill health and injury, costing the UK economy an estimated £21.6 billion annually.
These figures reinforce the importance of strict safety practices and the vital role that trusted partners like GAP play in keeping excavation works safe and compliant.
Why Safe Excavations Still Matter
Excavations lead the way in being one of the industry’s most high-risk activities, with common hazards including:
- Trench collapse and ground instability
- Water ingress and flooding
- Falls, slips and ground edge failures
- Utility strikes and confined-space hazards
At GAP, safety is designed in from the start. Every Trenching & Shoring solution we provide is fully compliant with UK regulations and guidance, including:
- CDM 2015: mandating proper design and supervision of temporary works to prevent collapse and injury during excavations
- BS 5975:2019: defining safe procedures for temporary excavation support
- HSE Guidance: requiring daily inspections and competent supervision after any change in site conditions
GAP Trenching & Shoring: Safety in Action
GAP’s Trenching & Shoring Division delivers expert excavation support for various sectors, including utilities, highways, housing and infrastructure.
Our offering includes:
- Full temporary works design support
- Trench boxes, sheets, waler and bracing systems
- Edge protection and manhole boxes
- EZE shoring
- Comprehensive user documentation and inspection guidance
GAP’s expert team of design engineers create trench support solutions specifically tailored to the soil type and depth of each excavation, ensuring maximum safety and stability. Backed by rapid-response logistics and an extensive hire fleet, GAP minimises project downtime and helps customers stay on schedule.
Every piece of equipment is thoroughly inspected, maintained and certified before each hire, giving customers complete confidence on site.
The GAP Excavation Safety Checklist
|
Checkpoint |
Purpose |
|
Geotechnical and site survey |
Identify soil stability and water table risk |
|
Temporary works design approval |
Ensure compliance with BS 5975 and CDM 2015 |
|
Certified shoring system in use |
Prevent collapse and edge failure |
|
Exclusion zones and signage |
Protect plant and personnel |
|
Safe access and egress |
Prevent falls into excavation |
|
Daily inspection log |
Capture any change in conditions |
|
CAT scanning for services |
Avoid underground strikes |
|
Rescue and emergency plan |
Site-specific, excavation-focused |
Building a Safer Tomorrow
The future of UK groundworks will be built on design, discipline, and trusted partners. GAP’s Trenching & Shoring division is leading the way, combining expert engineering, cutting-edge equipment and a genuine commitment to protecting people on site.
Explore GAP’s Trenching and Shoring fleet and excavate with confidence.
