Excavation and Trenching

Excavation means any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in an earth surface, formed by earth removal.

Trench (Trench excavation) means a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground.

Prevent trench cave-ins:

  • SLOPE or bench trench walls,
  • SHORE trench walls with supports, or
  • SHIELD trench walls with trench boxes

Trenching Fatality Fact Sheet

Provides the investigative process after a trenching fatality.

Safe Work Practices

Each employee must be instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Have a safe way to enter and exit.
  • Ensure trenches have cave-in protection.
  • Keep materials and equipment away from edge of trench.
  • Ensure trenches are inspected by a competent person before entering.
  • Keep the trench free of standing water and atmospheric hazards.
  • Trenches that are 5 feet deep or greater should have a protective system.

Excavations and Trenching eTool

Provides access to federal OSHA's eTool on excavations and trenching.

Soil Classification vTool

Provides federal OSHA's vTool on classifying soil.

Excavations vTool

Provides federal OSHA's vTool on excavations.

Excavations and Trenching

Provides a pre-recorded webinar on trenching and excavation safety measures.

Excavations and Trenching

Provides additional resources and information on excavations and trenching.