Safety is of utmost importance in construction because it is one of the most hazardous industries in the world. Construction work involves heavy equipment, working at heights, handling dangerous chemicals and materials, and working in confined spaces, among other risky activities. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritise safety in construction to prevent accidents and protect oneself as well as others from injuries and fatalities. Thus, it becomes essential for the people who are associated with the construction industry to possess adequate knowledge about safety measures on-site. The category consists of various safety measures to be adopted on site, which are mentioned in the safety standards and guidelines.
Construction Sites Involving Deep Excavation
1. Basements of High-Rise Buildings
- Often 2–5 levels deep, especially in urban areas.
- Required for parking, storage, services (HVAC, electrical), or commercial use.
2. Metro and Subway Stations
- Underground metro stations and tunnels (e.g., Delhi Metro, Bangalore Metro).
- Require massive excavation pits for station boxes and access shafts.
3. Underground Parking Garages
- Multi-level parking structures in malls, office buildings, and residential complexes.
4. Tunnels
- Road or rail tunnels (e.g., Atal Tunnel, Zojila Tunnel).
- Access shafts and portal sections often involve deep excavation.
5. Underground Water Tanks or Sewage Treatment Plants
- Large-scale infrastructure projects require deep excavation for tanks and chambers.
- Often seen in water treatment plants, fire-fighting storage, etc.
6. Foundation for Bridges and Flyovers
- Deep pile caps and pier foundations require excavation up to or beyond 10 meters, especially over soft or weak soil.
7. Lift Wells and Service Shafts
- In tall buildings, shafts for lifts, escalators, and utilities often need deep and narrow excavations.
8. Hydropower Plants and Dams
- Excavation for powerhouses, penstocks, and diversion tunnels.
- Also includes deep cuttings in riverbeds and mountains.
9. Mining Projects (Open-Pit and Shaft Mining)
- Although not “construction” in the traditional sense, these involve some of the deepest excavations.
10. Oil & Gas Refineries and Substations
- Equipment foundations, cable trenches, and underground containment areas may require deep excavation.