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One-time payment · 2-year access
Excavation and Trenching Safety
This course equips construction workers and site supervisors with the knowledge to recognize, evaluate, and control the serious hazards associated with excavation and trenching operations under OSHA's 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P [S1]. From soil classification and protective systems to atmospheric hazards and competent-person responsibilities, learners will gain the practical skills needed to prevent cave-ins and keep every worker who enters a trench safe [S2].
14 lessons
~3.5 hours · self-paced
Certificate valid 2 years
Mobile friendly
Trusted by 1,200+ certified workers across the US
What You'll Learn
Distinguish between an excavation and a trench as defined under OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P, and explain why both pose life-threatening hazards [S1].
Classify soil types (Type A, B, and C) and describe how soil classification drives the selection of protective systems [S1].
Identify the roles and responsibilities of a competent person, including daily inspection requirements before worker entry [S2][S3].
Select and apply appropriate cave-in protective systems—sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding—based on site conditions [S2][S5].
Recognize and mitigate additional excavation hazards including water accumulation, hazardous atmospheres, falling loads, and underground utilities [S3][S7].
Demonstrate proper access and egress requirements and spoil-pile management practices for trench operations [S2][S3].
Apply pre-job planning principles and OSHA inspection protocols to maintain ongoing excavation safety throughout a project [S4][S9].
Who Is This Course For
Construction laborers and pipe layers who work at the bottom of trenches or excavations
Site supervisors and foremen responsible for overseeing excavation operations
Competent persons designated to inspect and manage trench safety on construction sites
Safety and health officers conducting hazard assessments for underground utility or civil construction projects
Course Content
4 modules · 14 lessons1Module 1: Foundations of Excavation and Trenching Safety3 lessons
1Excavations vs. Trenches: Definitions and the Scale of the Hazard
2Governing Standards: OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P Overview
3Soil Classification: Types A, B, and C
2Module 2: Pre-Job Planning and the Competent Person3 lessons
1Why Pre-Job Planning Is Critical
2Underground Utility Location and Spoil Management
3The Competent Person: Role, Authority, and Inspection Duties
3Module 3: Protective Systems for Cave-In Prevention3 lessons
1When Protective Systems Are Required
2Sloping and Benching: Design and Limitations
3Shoring and Shielding: Installation, Use, and Removal
4Module 4: Additional Hazards, Inspections, and Final Assessment5 lessons
1Water Accumulation, Hazardous Atmospheres, and Atmospheric Testing
2Access, Egress, Struck-By Hazards, and Personal Protective Equipment
3Ongoing Site Inspections, Emergency Response, and Workers' Rights
4Final Assessment: Excavation and Trenching Safety
5Get Your Certificate
Requirements
- No prior experience required — suitable for all skill levels
- A device with internet access (computer, tablet, or phone)
- English language proficiency for EN version
$35
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