
Provide an overview of 29 CFR 1926 subpart P, covering open excavations and trenches, protective systems, soil classification, safe access, and daily inspections.
Classify soil before trench entry to assess collapse risk and protections. Identify type A, B, and C soils by testing and observation, per appendix A to subpart P.
Use pocket penetrometer to gauge the unconfined compressive strength of cohesive soils and thumb test to identify type a, b, or c, with moisture and layering evaluated.
The competent person, designated by the employer, identifies hazards, can stop work, and takes immediate action to ensure trench safety through soil classification, protection design, inspections, and water removal monitoring.
Identify soil types, forecast weather, and locate underground services before work. Choose a protective system and assign a competent person to inspect and adjust, preventing trench injuries and delays.
OSHA mandates routine inspection and maintenance of trench protection equipment, including trench boxes and hydraulic shoring, by a competent person who rejects defects until approved by a registered professional engineer.
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. This 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.