Osha Compliance - Excavation And Trenching

A Practical Guide to Excavation Hazards & Controls under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P

What you'll learn

Understand key definitions, dangers, and the legal framework governing trenching and excavation operations.

Learn how preplanning reduces risk and improves compliance.

Explore the protective systems and how to implement them correctly.

Address additional trenching risks beyond cave-ins and how to manage them.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of construction safety (recommended, not mandatory)

Description

Working in or around trenches is among the most dangerous tasks in construction. Every year, dozens of workers are killed and many more injured due to trench collapses and other excavation-related hazards. This online, interactive course provides a comprehensive understanding of OSHA's Trenching and Excavation requirements under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P.Designed for those who want to work smarter and safer, this course goes beyond just regulations. It breaks down real-life hazards, teaches how to prevent cave-ins, and shows how to spot and fix common violations that lead to tragic outcomes. Participants will learn about protective systems (sloping, shielding, shoring), soil classification, access/egress rules, inspection requirements, and how to recognize signs of imminent danger in excavation work.Whether you're in the field or in a supervisory role, this course helps you build confidence, competence, and compliance; the three pillars of excavation safety. Our self-paced, mobile-friendly format makes it easy to learn anytime, anywhere. Plus, you’ll earn a certificate of completion you can proudly share. By the end of the training, you’ll be equipped to make informed safety decisions, create safer work plans, and protect lives on-site; yours and your team’s. You’ll walk away not only with knowledge, but with the practical skills to apply it immediately in your workplace.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction to Trenching and Excavation Safety

Lecture 1 Welcome and Introductions

Lecture 2 Housekeeping

Lecture 3 Course Agenda

Lecture 4 Disclaimers

Lecture 5 Agenda Section 01

Lecture 6 Excavation vs. Trench

Lecture 7 Dangers of Trenching/Excavation Operations

Lecture 8 Overview of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P

Lecture 9 Soil Classification Categories

Lecture 10 Soil Classification Methods

Lecture 11 The Role of the Competent Person

Section 2: Preplanning for Safe Excavation Work

Lecture 12 Agenda Section 02

Lecture 13 Importance of Pre-planning

Lecture 14 Safety Factors in Project Bidding

Lecture 15 Avoiding Underground Utility Strikes

Section 3: Protective Systems Against Cave-Ins

Lecture 16 Agenda Section 03

Lecture 17 Types of Protective Systems

Lecture 18 Soil Classification and Protection

Lecture 19 Spoil

Lecture 20 Other Cave-In Protections

Lecture 21 Installing and Removing Protective Systems Safely

Lecture 22 Maintenance of Protective Materials & Equipment

Section 4: Additional Hazards and Worker Protections

Lecture 23 Agenda Section 04

Lecture 24 Other Excavation Controls

Lecture 25 Water Accumulation & Excavation Safety

Lecture 26 Hazardous Atmospheres in Excavations

Lecture 27 Access and Egress Requirements

Lecture 28 Pier Holes and Confined Footings

Lecture 29 Site Inspections by Competent Person

Lecture 30 Site Inspections Checklist

Lecture 31 Wrap up and Way Forward

Construction Workers involved in trenching or excavation,Site Supervisors & Foremen,Safety Officers & HSE Coordinators,Utility Installers, Plumbers, and Road Workers,Civil Engineers and Field Inspectors,New hires working in underground construction or pipeline projects