Construction excavation notification
Complete this online form to notify WorkSafe at least three days before starting construction excavation work.
You must notify WorkSafe about construction excavation work
You must notify WorkSafe three days before construction excavation work involving:
- a trench (if the excavated depth is more than 1.5 metres)
- a shaft (if the excavated depth is more than two metres)
- a tunnel
If the construction excavation would be deep enough for a person to enter or there is a health and safety risk to anyone from the excavation.
What you'll need
- details about the employer or self-employed person completing the excavation
- details about the supervisor, including training and experience in trenching and excavation
- details of the excavation location and type
- details about risk control measures
Excavations exempt from notification
Notification is not required if the excavation is made as part of building work for which a building permit has been issued and is in force under the Building Act 1993.
Further information is available in the excavation compliance code 2018 or by contacting WorkSafe's advisory service.
WorkSafe Advisory
WorkSafe's advisory service is available between 7:30am and 6:30pm Monday to Friday.
1800 136 089 More contact options
Translating and interpreting service
Call 131 450 to translate this information or to speak to WorkSafe in your language.
For more information about this free service, visit Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or the National Relay Service.