Take Courses for Safe Trench Compliance

Written by Staff Writer | Edited by Michael Purser

Collapse and other related dangers during digging work can be extremely harmful. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that “excavation and trenching are among the most hazardous construction operations.”

Everyone involved in this work is at risk of serious injury and even death. That is why following proper safety protocols is so important.

Competent persons are key to keeping these worksites safe — boots on the ground, empowered to take action early to protect others. If you want to qualify for the role, you must get appropriate training to ensure you can do the job right.

Read on to understand the major hazards of trenching work and how a well-trained competent person can help protect workers.

Major Risks in Earthwork Digging

Designated qualified supervisors in this field deal with a wide range of potentially lethal problems. Some of the biggest dangers in trenching earthwork jobs include:

Cave-Ins

These pose the greatest risk to employees’ lives. Collapses are among the most common and deadly incidents in these environments. One cubic yard of soil can weigh as much as a car, making it easy to understand why unprotected trenches can be so hazardous.

Regulators require trench collapse prevention systems to be installed before workers are allowed to enter any trench that is at least five feet deep.

Falls

Falling into a trench can leave a victim permanently injured, if it doesn’t kill them outright. Even a drop of a few feet can break bones. That’s why any significant drop must be clearly marked. Ladders, ramps and other means of exit are required within 25 feet of workers.

Falling Loads

Workers aren’t the only things that can fall into an excavation. Items of all sizes are real threats to those below ground. Everything from a single hammer to a pallet of pipes can cause serious injuries when dropped into a trench.

Potential damage increases dramatically based on the size of the plummeting object and the height of the drop.

Dangerous Atmospheres

An environment can be considered unsafe because of a lack of oxygen or the presence of toxic substances. For example, crews near a landfill could encounter poisonous fumes.

Employers are responsible for testing air quality in digs deeper than four feet where a dangerous atmosphere may exist.

Safe digging and shoring instruction includes becoming aware of risks and using standard emergency rescue equipment, such as harnesses.

Incidents Involving Mobile Equipment

Heavy machinery operating near the edge of trenches can trigger collapses. Machines might also tip over or slide in. Proper digging and shoring awareness instruction can help crews remain alert while heavy equipment operates nearby.

What Is a Competent Person Under OSHA Standards?

Now that we know what competent persons should watch out for, let’s talk about what a competent person is. OSHA defines a competent person as an employer-designated individual who can identify existing and potential hazards and is empowered to take corrective measures to minimize or eliminate those risks.

Being a competent person isn’t a one-size-fits-all qualification. Each type of danger carries its own set of core responsibilities. OSHA requirements and standards state that a competent person for excavation and trench safety perform these tasks:

• Classify soil
• Inspect protective systems
• Design structural ramps
• Monitor water removal equipment
• Conduct site inspections

Succeeding in the role requires an in-depth knowledge of best practices and applicable standards for digging operations.

Programs for Skilled Specialists

Trenches are inherently dangerous places to work, which means the world will always need competent, trained individuals to ensure workers are protected. That’s where evaluator preparation becomes important.

We offer simple educational options to learn how to protect yourself and others. Areas of study include:

Competent Person — Earthwork Digging

Learn to spot and fix dangers during digging operations. Act as an employer-approved site evaluator who serves compliance needs. This option helps you grow your career and gain added responsibility at work.

Earthworks Protection

This is a broad overview of techniques for reducing harm and preventing damage during ground-moving projects. Explore regulations, soil types and system selection.

Shoring Plus Digging for Construction Sites

Focused on industry-specific situations, this option helps improve awareness of possible risks and learn key preventive steps. You’ll master standards, company rules and proven practices that stop accidents.

Whether you want to become a competent person or just make your jobsite a safer place, we have the perfect course for you. Our courses will help you advance your understanding and your job prospects while protecting others from harm.

Why Choose OSHA Education Center?

Excavation safety training for competent persons is a necessity, both to meet regulatory requirements for the role and to protect workers. Online classes offer a better, more efficient way to study. OSHA Education Center is the leading provider of online workplace safety training.

Our student-focused, user-friendly courses allow you to study at your own pace from any internet-connected device. Enroll in our online courses to learn when and where you like. When you train with us, you get:

• 24/7 access to course materials from any internet-connected device
• Automatic progress saving so you can start and stop when needed
• Audio narration, video lessons and interactive simulations to reinforce each lesson
• Instant Certificate of Completion as soon as you complete the course

It’s never been easier to prepare to serve as a competent person. Enroll today to see how simple it is to build your skills and protect yourself from trenching hazards.