Hazardous ground disturbances are activities that pose a significant risk to employees, customers and the general public. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that there are over 1,800 fatalities annually and $8.3 billion in property damage as a result of hazardous ground disturbances. Ground disturbances can be the result of natural hazards like earthquakes, floods or tornadoes. Human-generated hazards like construction work, mining operations or transportation activities can also disrupt the ground. Ground disturbances can happen on any type of property including residential, commercial, industrial and even outdoor construction sites. Many of these hazards can be mitigated with the right safety protocols in place before and during work. In this blog post we look at why these hazards are so dangerous and what safety measures can be taken to reduce the risk of damage and injury during work that involves a ground disturbance.

What is a Ground Disturbance?

A ground disturbance is an activity that causes the earth’s surface to be displaced. This could be the result of an earthquake or construction work for example. Ground disturbances can be short-term events or long-term activities. Events like earthquakes which are sudden and severe may cause the ground to break open and cause buildings to collapse. Construction activities can cause severe ground disturbances that may result in the collapse of buildings or other structures over time. Ground disturbances can cause buildings to collapse or become destabilized by shifting the foundation or ground below it causing it to become unbalanced.

How are Ground Disturbances Identified?

Before a ground disturbance is started work will be required to identify and assess potential hazards. This hazard identification will consist of reviewing past events, observing the site and conducting a site visit and investigation to identify potential hazards. Ground disturbances can be caused by different factors like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes or even construction activities. Understanding what could happen at a site is key to creating a safe work environment. Hazard identification is an important part of any site safety plan. A site visit is the best way to get a hands-on view of the site, its hazards and how best to mitigate them. After a site visit the investigation will summarize what was discovered and recommend safety measures to reduce the risk of harm.

Why are Ground Disturbances Hazardous?

Hazards are inherent in any work that involves the ground. Ground disturbances can cause a wide range of hazards that may result in injuries and property damage. The most common hazards associated with ground disturbances include falling objects, collapsing buildings and walls, flying debris and ground collapse. Ground disturbances can cause the failure of existing structures or bring down nearby buildings, endangering people on the ground and anyone in the vicinity. These hazards can also lead to secondary hazards like fires caused by an explosion or the burning of debris. Working on a construction site can increase the risk of hazards like falling objects, collapsing walls and flying debris. Working near a highway or in a high-risk area can also increase the risk of a site hazard. Working near an airport can also increase the risk of hazards.

Building and Structure Collapse

Building and structure collapse is a serious hazard that can be caused by ground disturbances. Building collapses can happen when a structure loses its foundation or the ground that it is built on becomes unstable. Ground disturbances can cause the ground to settle, resulting in the building losing support and collapsing. Building collapses can have devastating effects on the people working on the site, nearby residents and customers, and anyone in the surrounding area. When a building collapses on a site, the area can be shut down until it is determined that the situation is safe. If there are people in the building at the time of the collapse, they may be injured or trapped underneath the building.

Falling Objects

Falling objects are another hazard associated with ground disturbances. Ground disturbances can cause an object on the ground to collapse and fall, resulting in an injury or death. This can include vehicles, tools, materials and, of course, people. Falling objects can cause traumatic injuries like broken bones and head injuries or fatal injuries like traumatic head injuries and neck fractures. The severity of injuries from falling objects is often dependent on the speed at which the object falls. Working in areas that are prone to falling objects should be done with caution and workers should be properly trained. Objects that could fall during work include tools, heavy debris, machinery and other people.

Collapsing Walls and Structures

Collapsing walls and structures are another type of ground disturbance hazard. Ground disturbances can cause walls and other structures to fail. This could be due to an earthquake or the failure of the foundation. Collapsing buildings can cause injuries and death, and collapsing walls and other structures can cause injuries to people on the ground. If a wall or structure collapses, nearby people must be protected from falling materials and hazards like falling vehicles. Working in areas that are prone to collapsing walls and structures should be done with caution and workers should be properly trained. Walls and structures that may collapse include walls, buildings, fences, poles and trees.

Flying Debris

Flying debris is another hazard associated with ground disturbances. Ground disturbances can cause objects on the ground to fall, resulting in flying debris that can cause serious injuries. Airborne debris can cause traumatic injuries like broken bones and head injuries or fatal injuries like traumatic head injuries. Ground disturbances can also cause materials and debris to become airborne through projectile motion. Working in areas that are prone to flying debris should be done with caution and workers should be properly trained. Working in areas where flying debris is common can help keep injuries to a minimum by following proper safety procedures and wearing the proper protective gear. Examples of areas where flying debris is common include construction sites, airports and demolition sites.

Ground Collapse

Ground collapse is another serious hazard that can be caused by ground disturbances. Ground disturbances can cause the ground to break open, resulting in the collapse of buildings and other structures. This can happen during an earthquake or construction work. Working in areas that are prone to ground collapse should be done with great caution and workers should be properly trained. Working with heavy equipment near the ground can increase the risk of a ground collapse. Working near high-risk areas like flood plains, near bodies of water or near earthquake faults can also increase the likelihood of a ground collapse.

Tips for Working Safely in a Ground Disturbance Zone

Working in a ground disturbance zone puts workers at risk for injuries caused by ground disturbances. Ground disturbances can be sudden and severe and can cause the collapse of buildings and other structures and the failure of the ground. Ground disturbances can also cause materials to break away and fall, creating hazards for people on the ground. These hazards can be reduced by following proper safety protocols before and during work. Working with heavy equipment in a ground disturbance zone can increase the risk of a ground collapse. To help reduce this risk, workers should follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations when operating heavy equipment in a ground disturbance zone. Workers should also be aware of