Excavation, Trenching & Shoring Safety Training
Course aligned to OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P — designed for workers and supervisors involved in trenching and excavation operations.
Course Overview
This course covers the hazards, protective systems, and employer responsibilities associated with excavation and trenching operations, in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P. It is intended to provide workers with the knowledge required to recognize hazards and apply controls to reduce the risk of cave-ins, falls, electrocutions, hazardous atmospheres, and other excavation-related incidents.
Who should take this course?
- Construction workers performing excavation or trenching tasks
- Equipment operators and laborers working near trenches
- Supervisors and competent persons responsible for trench safety
- Safety officers and site managers overseeing excavation operations
Learning Objectives
- Describe the hazards associated with excavations and trenches and how to recognize them.
- Explain OSHA requirements under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, including competent person duties.
- Identify protective systems: sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding.
- Determine soil classification, water control, and safe access/egress methods.
- Apply hazard control measures, PPE selection, and emergency response procedures.
Course Outline
- Regulatory overview: OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P
- Common excavation hazards and incident case studies
- Soil mechanics and classification basics
- Protective systems: sloping, benching, shoring, shielding
- Utilities, atmospheric testing, and hazardous atmospheres
- Access/egress, inspections, and competent person responsibilities
- PPE and safe work practices around trenches and excavations
- Emergency procedures, rescue considerations, and documentation
Prerequisites
This course provides general function-specific training. Workers whose job duties require hands-on trench entry should receive additional site-specific and on-the-job training supplied by their employer under the supervision of a competent person.
Format & Duration
- Format
- SCORM-compliant eLearning or instructor-led (classroom or on-site practical)
- Duration
- 2–4 hours eLearning; half-day to full-day instructor-led with practical exercises
- Assessment
- Knowledge check and scenario-based evaluation; certificate issued upon successful completion
Compliance & Employer Responsibilities
OSHA requires employers to implement protective measures, provide a competent person to inspect excavations, and ensure employees receive adequate training. This course helps employers meet training obligations but does not replace required site-specific instruction and supervision.
Upon completion of the OSHA Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Safety Training course, learners will be able to:
- Understand OSHA excavation and trenching regulations as defined in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P and the safe work practices and procedures specified by this standard.
- Explain what a competent person is responsible for in trenching and excavation operations.
- List site conditions that must be evaluated before excavation operations begin.
- Distinguish between type A, B, and C soil.
- Explain what OSHA’s unconfined compressive strength measurement determines.
- Differentiate between the two basic methods used for soil classification: visual testing and manual testing.
- Understand the dynamics involved in a cave-in.
- Explain OSHA regulations related to protective systems in excavated areas and the exceptions to these regulations.