Excavation and Trenching Safety - Online Training Course

Excavation activities in trenches are some of the riskiest tasks in construction. They involve various types of work that must be done safely. Some of the risks include cave-ins, injuries from moving equipment, and being exposed to harmful air.

Workers need to know the hazards involved, how to do thorough inspections, what protective systems to use, and how to respond in an emergency to keep everyone safe.

This training is designed to teach construction workers about the dangers of excavation and trenching work and how to work safely within or near these areas.

After completing this training, learners will be able to:

• Recognize potential excavation and trench hazards on a construction jobsite
• Explain the safety responsibilities of various excavation and trenching roles
• Identify systems that provide protection while working in and around hazards
• Describe what to do in the event of an emergency

Course Outline:

• Introduction
• Recognize the Hazards
• Excavation and Trench Sites
• Types of Hazards
• Know Your Responsibilities
• Employer Responsibilities
• Employee Responsibilities
• Use Protective Systems
• Benching and Sloping
• Shoring
• Shielding
• Installing and Removing Systems
• Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Evacuate in an Emergency
• Rescue Situations
• Rescue Equipment

Course Length: 20 minutes (English); 24 minutes (Spanish); 25 minutes (Canadian French)

Regulations Covered: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P

Intended Audience: Employees

Languages: English, Spanish, and Canadian French

Copyright Date: 2025