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…

Excavation and Trenching Safety
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4.7 average across all BuildRight Academy courses (152 ratings)

What you'll learn

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].

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 this course is for

Construction laborers and pipe layers who work at the bottom of trenches or excavationsSite supervisors and foremen responsible for overseeing excavation operationsCompetent persons designated to inspect and manage trench safety on construction sitesSafety and health officers conducting hazard assessments for underground utility or civil construction projects

No prior experience required · any device with internet access · English needed for the EN version

Also in the OSP Crew Essentials bundle — save $117

9 courses for $249, this one included. What's inside

Course content

4 modules · 14 lessons · lesson 1 free
Excavations vs. Trenches: Definitions and the Scale of the HazardFree preview
Governing Standards: OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P Overview
Soil Classification: Types A, B, and C

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