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OSHA Excavation Training

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines an excavation as "any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the earth's surface formed by earth removal." OSHA's standard for excavation is Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR), Part 1926, Subpart P. The purpose of this regulation is to ensure employers provide the proper safety practices, equipment and training to avoid injuries on the work site. All employees are required to receive safety training on subjects such as reaction to cave-ins, falling materials, moving equipment and protective gear.

  1. Access and Egress

    • When an excavation is four or more feet deep, OSHA requires methods of access and egress be placed so that workers will be within 25 feet of them at all times. These methods can take the form of devices such as ladders, ramps or steps. All workers are trained to be aware of where these devices are located, and how to properly use them.

    Water Accumulation

    • One of the serious hazards in an excavation is water accumulation. Water not only can undermine the sides, causing a cave-in, but if allowed to accumulate, can also interfere with workers' ability to get out. OSHA requires that the water- removal system be monitored and operated by trained personnel.

    Stability of Adjacent Structures

    • OSHA requires the use of a registered engineer to determine whether an excavation next to a building or other structure will cause damage to the structure, and to determine what shoring or other support is necessary to prevent a cave-in. Workers are trained to recognize cave-in hazards, to evacuate and to notify safety personnel.

    Inspections

    • OSHA requires daily inspections of an excavation site by trained engineers to look for potential hazards. If any hazard is found, workers are evacuated until conditions are deemed safe. Employees are trained to properly execute the evacuation plan to avoid injuries.

    Equipment Safety

    • Heavy equipment is used regularly on an excavation site. The equipment operators must be trained to properly perform work without causing a danger to other workers or equipment. Non-operator workers are trained to avoid being in the operator's blind spot, avoid working under a load (such as a fork lift) and avoid being in positions where automated equipment can cause injury. Good communication skills are also important. Hand signals, lights or radios are used to enhance safety.

    Falling Objects

    • There are several falling-object hazards at an excavation worksite. At the edges of the trench are usually stacks of pipe and other building and shoring materials. Inside the excavation, equipment may be carrying loads of the same materials. Workers are trained to avoid being in positions where falling material can cause injuries.

    Personal Protective Equipment

    • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used at all excavation sites. Hard hats and steel-toed boots are most frequently required. Depending upon the worksite, respirators are sometimes needed as well. All workers are trained how to properly fit, wear and maintain required PPE.

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