Trenching and Excavating Safely

This online course will provide valuable information on the key safety aspects of trenching and excavation. It starts by presenting statistics which show that trenching and excavation are among the most hazardous operations in the construction and civil engineering industries. OSHA safety standards are discussed and we examine the vital role of the “competent person” in trenching safety. We’ll look at soil classification and the importance of pre-test inspections, along with soil testing. You’ll learn about how trenches and excavations should be configured when dealing with layered soils. We’ll also show how to detect underground utilities and the various types of equipment and technologies available. The importance of daily excavation and trench inspections will be highlighted, along with advice on how to spot warning signs of instability. You’ll learn how to choose the most effective protective system for your trench or excavation. We’ll provide detailed illustrated information on sloping, benching and shoring and describe the approved configurations that can be used with different soil types. There will be practical advice on how to prevent trench and excavation cave-ins, and what to do if there is an emergency. Finally, we’ll explain workers’ rights and describe the assistance services and programs provided by OSHA.