Must slope, bench, shore, or use a trench box if deeper than 5’. Follow Table 1 (see other side). You may need to slope at less than 5’ if hazard exists. A Qualified Person must decide the proper slope for the trench and inspect it. Inspections must be an ongoing process. If the excavation does […]

Considering that 20 percent of excavation, trenching, and shoring fatalities are estimated to occur in the employee’s first 90 days of employment, and that 40 percent are estimated to occur within the first year of employment–there appears to be a direct correlation between experience and safety. In an effort to clarify the critical training elements, […]

  When must employers conduct excavation site inspections? Employers must ensure that a competent person inspects all excavations, adjacent areas, and protective systems daily for possible cave-ins, indications of failures in protective systems and equipment, hazardous atmospheres, and other hazardous conditions. Inspections must be done prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the […]

  What do employers need to do to maintain materials and equipment used for protective systems? Employers are responsible for maintaining materials and equipment used for protective systems. Defective and damaged materials and equipment can cause protective systems to fail and lead to other excavation hazards. Employers must ensure that: Materials and equipment are free […]

What safety factors should be considered when bidding on an excavation job? Before preparing a bid, employers should know as much as possible about the jobsite and the materials they will need to have on hand to perform the work safely and in compliance with OSHA standards. A safety checklist may prove helpful when employers […]

How can employers protect workers from hazardous atmospheres inside excavations? Atmospheric testing is required before workers enter an excavation greater than 4 feet (1.22 meters) in depth where an oxygen deficiency or a hazardous atmosphere is present or could reasonably be expected, such as in excavations in landfill areas or excavations in areas where hazardous […]