Property exposures at the excavator’s own location are generally limited to those of an office operation and storage of equipment and vehicles. Vehicles stored in the yard may be subject to theft or vandalism.

Inland marine exposures are primarily from contractors’ equipment. Excavation equipment can be heavy and difficult to transport without adequate loading, tie-down and unloading procedures. During excavation, the equipment’s load capacity may be exceeded, resulting in damage. Frequently, the construction site presents uneven ground in a rural area. Equipment may strike underground objects; strike utilities; fall into holes or pits; slip or fall into muddy water or sinkholes; be damaged in rock, land or mud slides; or burst into fire from overload. Equipment may be subject to water hazards, drop and fall from heights, or being struck by other vehicles. If equipment is left at job sites, theft and vandalism may be significant hazards unless proper controls are in place.

Occupiers’ Liability exposures at the contractor’s office are generally limited due to lack of public access to the premises.

At the job site, digging and other operations pose numerous hazards, especially if the contractor exercises inadequate control of the area. The general public or employees of other contractors can be injured due to trips and falls over debris, equipment or uneven ground. Construction sites create an attractive nuisance hazard, especially if work is close to residential areas. Digging can result in cutting utility cable, damaging utility property and disrupting services to neighbouring residences or businesses.

A significant morale hazard may be indicated by the absence of detailed procedures to determine utility locations and to research prior uses of the land.

Excavating in an area of existing structures requires extra vigilance to prevent foundation and structural damage to nearby buildings. To control access to the job site, the contractor may employ spotters, post signs and install physical barriers where appropriate. Once a hole is excavated, there must be shoring or other supports to prevent collapse if people are to work in the hole.

Automobile exposures can be high due to the transport of oversize machinery and equipment. Roads in rural areas may be narrow and the ground could be uneven, increasing the risk of collision and resulting in losses. Age, training, experience and drivers’ records, as well as age, condition, and maintenance of the vehicles, are all important items to consider.

Workplace safety exposures can be high. Lifting strains and crush injuries may arise at any phase of the operations. Serious injuries may also arise during work with hand tools, large, heavy machinery, or from the carelessness of fellow employees. Frequent and severe losses can occur from striking objects or utilities (especially electrical cable or gas lines), the collapse of retaining or holding walls, mudslides or landslides, underground water, and sinkholes. The absence of good maintenance, proper use of basic safety equipment (such as properly installed guards, steel-toed shoes, and eye protection), and strict enforcement of safety practices may indicate a morale hazard.