for educating contractors. “Our members have the outreach to show customers how to use the gear,” Jaffe explains,“whether it’s a small or big operation, we’re there to ensure best practices are followed.” This hands-on guidance is critical in preventing accidents on the job, especially in an industry where safety standards can often mean the difference between life and death. Malloy takes the discussion further by connecting NAXSA’s safety initiatives with the broader issue of liability in the construction industry. He points out that excavation contractors face significant risks when digging trenches because the ground is inherently unstable.“The earth wants to repair itself, just like a wound on your arm,” he says, noting that the potential for collapse is ever-present without proper shoring. This reality makes safety protocols, like those mandated by OSHA, non-negotiable. As Malloy explains, OSHA requires contractors to obtain a permit before digging, and a crucial part of this process involves identifying a “competent person” on-site.“That person must have the experience and authority to recognize hazardous situations and take corrective action to ensure everyone’s safety,” he says. NAXSA plays a pivotal role in helping contractors meet these regulatory requirements by offering “competent person” training to its members. “Our members provide the training so their customers can fulfill OSHA’s requirement of having a competent person on-site,” Malloy says. However, he is quick to draw a line between education and direct liability. When asked whether NAXSA members ever step into the role of the competent person themselves, Malloy is firm: “We do not play that role,” he says. While NAXSA members can offer guidance on best practices and help contractors choose the right shoring equipment, stepping in as the competent person presents a risk. “Our insurance companies would have an issue with that,” he admits. Technology also plays a more significant role in trench safety, particularly regarding tracking compliance and reducing insurance liabilities. Safety apps that track compliance with OSHA’s trenching rules are becoming more common, and NAXSA is paying close attention to how these tools can help streamline the safety certification process. While NAXSA doesn’t 25 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11 NORTH AMERICAN EXCAVATION SHORING ASSOCIATION
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