Earthworks and digging operations are the foundation of many oilfield and construction projects across Alberta. From grading and trenching to large-scale excavation, these services create the groundwork for safe and efficient infrastructure. But with the scope of these projects comes risk, particularly the risk of slope failure and collapse.

At Absolute Multi Corp, we believe that safety and compliance help guide every step of our work. Slope stability is a priority whenever our team is on site. Whether it be preparing a site for work or cleaning up after an accident, we can help you get your projects back into running order in no time.

Why Slope Failures Happen

Slope failures occur when soil or rock cannot withstand the stresses placed upon it, leading to sudden collapses or slides. These incidents can cause very serious harm to workers, damage to equipment, and costly project delays. There are a number of contributing factors that can cause a collapse to happen. Here is a quick list of just some of them.

  • Soil composition and moisture content: Certain soil types, especially when saturated, lose their ability to stick together and increase instability.
  • Load stress from heavy equipment: Excavators, trucks, and stockpiles placed too close to a slope can tip the balance and cause the ground to give away under pressure.
  • Weather and environmental changes: Rain, snowmelt, or freeze-thaw cycles can weaken the ground unexpectedly, causing weak points.
  • Insufficient planning or maintenance: Without proper design and monitoring, slopes may deteriorate faster than expected. This could be a problem without anyone even knowing about it!

Safety-First Earthworks Practices

At AMC, we approach every project with a strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental standards. When it comes to slope stability, proactive measures make the difference between a secure worksite and a hazardous one. There are a few key practices that can help with making sure work sites are safe and secure from slope failure.

For the slope structure itself, proper grading and benching adjusts slopes and cutting steps into high walls to reduce the stress and add support. Working to control erosion by managing surface water and keeping drains clean can prevent washouts and soil from softening. 

Regulations that can help keep a slope stable include load restrictions and routine inspections. Keeping heavy machinery or material stockpiled away from the edges will make sure no undue weight is being placed on them, while investigation can spot cracks or flaws in the slopes before disaster strikes, allowing for repairs to be made.

Training and Compliance

Slope safety is not primarily about equipment and design, it’s about protecting people. Our crews receive extensive training on excavation safety, hazard recognition, and proper response procedures. Every operator understands the warning signs of slope instability and is empowered to halt operations if unsafe conditions arise.

Compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations in Alberta is a cornerstone of our work. These standards specify protective systems, slope ratios, and access requirements for earthworks operations, ensuring our projects are completed without compromise to safety while also complying with the law.

How AMC Mitigates Risk

Clients across Alberta trust AMC because we pair industry-leading equipment with a culture of accountability. We work diligently to align our practices with both regulatory requirements and our own zero-incident safety goal, meaning every slope, trench, and excavation is treated with the utmost care.

Whether it’s road building, lease preparation, or site reclamation, our earthworks crews can apply the same rigorous safety standards. By preventing slope failures, we not only protect lives and equipment but also keep projects on schedule and within budget.

Building Safer Earthworks Sites in Alberta

Slope stability is a critical aspect of any earthworks operation, but with proper planning, monitoring, and execution, it’s a risk that can be managed effectively. At AMC, we’re proud to help our clients achieve safe, efficient, and compliant projects across the province. 

If you’re preparing for an upcoming excavation or site development, partner with a team that prioritizes safety from the ground up. Contact us at AMC today to learn more about our earthworks solutions and how we can support your project with expertise, reliability, and safety at the forefront.