Excavation Safety and Shoring/OSHA

New construction projects usually involve excavation for utilities or foundations. The safety of personnel in excavations is regulated by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). If personnel enter a trench that is over 5 feet in depth*, a OSHA excavation safety plan is needed. OSHA dictates standards for shoring, sloped sidewalls, hazardous atmosphere, access, and other aspects of excavation projects.

A total of 48 fatalities from cave-ins of excavations, was reported for 2003, by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. OSHA reports that failure to use shoring and follow regulatory procedures results in most deaths.

This four hour interactive online course will give the student a basic understanding of OSHA approvable shoring, sloped sidewall trenches, and safety measures for excavations. As a engineer, or OSHA defined competent person, you will learn valuable skills in identification of site conditions, selection of shoring, construction, and inspection.



* The specified trench depth is different in some states; and poor site conditions may dictate shoring at shallower depths.

At the conclusion of this course, the student will achieve the following goals:

• Knowledge of Federal Regulations for Excavation Safety as governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).
• Ability to analyze site conditions and recommend shoring that is in compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Skills in shoring design, and the applicability and limitations of shoring options. However the class does not cover engineering and design work, beyond OSHA limitations.
• Learn to use Internet websites to access regulations and information on shoring.
• Acquire competence in inspection of constructed shoring for compliance with OSHA safety regulations.
• Increase skills to assist in obtaining OSHA "Competent Person" status.