Course Description

What does it mean to be a “Competent Person” in Trenching and Excavation Safety? The OSHA excavation standard states that a competent person is: “one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings, or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees and has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.” OSHA states that you must have specific training in and knowledge to perform soil analyses, determine the protective system to be used in excavations and conduct daily inspections.  

This workshop will present individuals with training in the following areas:

• Conducting site inspections
• Establishing proper access & egress
• Identifying potential environmental hazards
• Determining soil composition & classification
• Implementing protective systems (sloping, shoring, shielding)

Who Should Attend

Public Works professionals, both management and operations, involved in trenching and excavation who desire “competent person” proficiency in trenching/excavations as it applies to OSHA regulations.

Please download the handouts prior to class.