Construction Certificate includedENES

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Excavation and Trenching Safety

This course equips construction workers and site supervisors with the knowledge to recognize, evaluate, and control the serious hazards associated with excavation and trenching operations under OSHA's 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P [S1]. From soil classification and protective systems to atmospheric hazards and competent-person responsibilities, learners will gain the practical skills needed to prevent cave-ins and keep every worker who enters a trench safe [S2].

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14 lessons~3.5 hours · self-pacedCertificate valid 2 yearsMobile friendly
Trusted by 1,200+ certified workers across the US

What you'll learn

Distinguish between an excavation and a trench as defined under OSHA 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P, and explain why both pose life-threatening hazards [S1].
Classify soil types (Type A, B, and C) and describe how soil classification drives the selection of protective systems [S1].
Identify the roles and responsibilities of a competent person, including daily inspection requirements before worker entry [S2][S3].
Select and apply appropriate cave-in protective systems—sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding—based on site conditions [S2][S5].
Recognize and mitigate additional excavation hazards including water accumulation, hazardous atmospheres, falling loads, and underground utilities [S3][S7].
Demonstrate proper access and egress requirements and spoil-pile management practices for trench operations [S2][S3].
Apply pre-job planning principles and OSHA inspection protocols to maintain ongoing excavation safety throughout a project [S4][S9].

Who this course is for

Construction laborers and pipe layers who work at the bottom of trenches or excavationsSite supervisors and foremen responsible for overseeing excavation operationsCompetent persons designated to inspect and manage trench safety on construction sitesSafety and health officers conducting hazard assessments for underground utility or civil construction projects

Course content

4 modules · 14 lessons · lesson 1 free
1 · Module 1: Foundations of Excavation and Trenching Safety3 lessons
Excavations vs. Trenches: Definitions and the Scale of the HazardFree preview
Governing Standards: OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P Overview
Soil Classification: Types A, B, and C
2 · Module 2: Pre-Job Planning and the Competent Person3 lessons
Why Pre-Job Planning Is Critical
Underground Utility Location and Spoil Management
The Competent Person: Role, Authority, and Inspection Duties
3 · Module 3: Protective Systems for Cave-In Prevention3 lessons
When Protective Systems Are Required
Sloping and Benching: Design and Limitations
Shoring and Shielding: Installation, Use, and Removal
4 · Module 4: Additional Hazards, Inspections, and Final Assessment5 lessons
Water Accumulation, Hazardous Atmospheres, and Atmospheric Testing
Access, Egress, Struck-By Hazards, and Personal Protective Equipment
Ongoing Site Inspections, Emergency Response, and Workers' Rights
Final Assessment: Excavation and Trenching Safety
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Requirements

  • No prior experience required — suitable for all skill levels
  • A device with internet access (computer, tablet, or phone)
  • English language proficiency for EN version
Excavation and Trenching Safety
$35USD · one-time payment

2-year access · price includes the certificate

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