Why we care so much about what we do

Every person who steps into a trench should be able to climb back out safely. It's as simple – and as important – as that.

When it comes to trenching, getting the right protection in place isn't just good practice – it can save lives. And we’re not being dramatic. The frightening thing is that a trench can appear stable and then fail with little warning in seconds, leaving little time to react. That's why proper trench protection matters.

Sadly, we've seen the consequences here in New Zealand.

In 2014, a worker was sadly killed after entering a four-metre-deep trench near Matamata. The excavation had not been protected against collapse by shoring, sloping or battering. The company was subsequently prosecuted by WorkSafe.

In 2021, a worker was seriously injured when a trench collapsed at a drainage worksite. The trench reached approximately three metres deep, and the company was later fined $275,000 after pleading guilty to health and safety offences.

And in Auckland, a trench collapse in Meadowbank in 2024 left one person seriously injured and another with moderate injuries. WorkSafe investigated the incident and again highlighted the importance of appropriate precautions around excavations.

These cases aren’t about the fines – it’s about the impact that event would have had on the owner and entire team. Having one of your workmates injured at work isn’t something we wish on anyone.

This is why what we do matters.

For us, trench shield hire isn't simply about supplying a piece of equipment. It's about people.

That's why we take what we do seriously.

The people heading into a trench are someone's employees, colleagues, friends, parents, partners or children. They should be able to do their job and get home safely at the end of the day.

That's why we're passionate about providing reliable trench protection – and why we stand behind the performance of our shields and take every hire seriously.

If you're planning excavation work and need trench protection, talk to our team. We're happy to discuss your requirements and help you find the right equipment for your project.