Trench and Excavation Safety

PaliSpeakers:  Palisha Sthapit, Rinker Materials

Presentation Description
One of the most dangerous types of work is trenching, with approximately 40 construction worker fatalities every year. This workshop focuses on the hazards of excavation and trenching operations, as well as safe work practices that can mitigate the dangers. The training will highlight key elements of The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Excavation Standards which contain requirements for excavation and trenching operations. Participants will: better understand the risks associated with working in and around trenches, including cave-ins; learn best practices; and adopt safe behaviors to promote a safe working environment

Speaker Bios

Palisha Sthapit is Product Resource Specialist at Rinker Materials.  She lives in Houston and covers San Antonio/Austin, Louisiana and Houston regions promoting precast concrete drainage products, national standards, and specifications, as well as conducting training.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Architectural/Civil Engineering from University of Texas at Arlington with leadership honors. In her senior year of college, Palisha worked as an intern for American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA). Working under QCast program at ACPA, she reviewed quality audits of precast drainage products from various producers. After graduation, she worked as a structural engineer at Tower Engineering Solutions where she worked on design and analysis of tower mounts. Beside her role, she is also a member of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and American Public Works Association (APWA).

Palisha came to the states in 2017 from Nepal to pursue her education. She speaks four languages and is very passionate about dancing and writing poetry. She loves exploring and meeting new people.