This class takes place Friday, August 8th, 2026

 from 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Trenching and excavation are among the most hazardous operations in construction. Because of the technical nature of excavation work and the potential for cave-ins, utility strikes, hazardous atmospheres, and other serious hazards, employers must designate a trained Competent Person to oversee excavation activities.

The OSHA Construction Standards define a Competent Person as an individual who is:

• Capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees.
• Authorized to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate those hazards.

This comprehensive 8-hour course provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to recognize excavation hazards, conduct required inspections, classify soil, and select appropriate protective systems. Participants will learn the responsibilities of the Competent Person and how to comply with applicable OSHA and Cal/OSHA excavation safety requirements.

Key Takeaways

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define the roles and responsibilities of a Competent Person.
• Recognize common trenching and excavation hazards before work begins and throughout the project.
• Perform visual and manual soil classification tests.
• Select and evaluate appropriate protective systems, including sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding.
• Conduct required excavation inspections before each shift and after hazard-increasing events.
• Identify underground utility hazards and safe excavation practices.
• Recognize atmospheric hazards and understand when atmospheric testing is required.
• Ensure safe access and egress, spoil pile placement, and employee protection in and around excavations.
• Apply OSHA and Cal/OSHA requirements to help prevent cave-ins, struck-by incidents, and other excavation-related injuries.

Topics Covered

• Competent Person duties and responsibilities
• OSHA and Cal/OSHA excavation requirements
• Soil classification and analysis
• Protective systems:
  • Sloping
  • Benching
  • Hydraulic shoring
  • Timber shoring
  • Trench boxes and shields
• Excavation inspections
• Underground installations and utility protection
• Safe access and egress
• Spoil pile management
• Atmospheric hazards and hazardous environments
• Excavation conditions that may present confined space hazards
• Emergency response and incident prevention

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Construction supervisors and superintendents
• Foremen and crew leaders
• Excavation and utility contractors
• Heavy equipment operators
• Site safety professionals
• Public works personnel
• Anyone designated—or preparing to be designated—as a Competent Person for trenching and excavation operations

Standards Addressed

This course aligns with the requirements of:

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P – Excavations (§§1926.650–652)
• Cal/OSHA Title 8, California Code of Regulations:
  • Section 1504 – Excavation Requirements
  • Sections 1540–1543 – Excavation, Trenching, and Protective Systems

Costs:

Member: $200

Non-Member: $275

IS YOUR TUITION COVERED?  If so, please contact Construction Education at (858) 465-7315 or ce@abcsd.org to register.  Student’s email address and contact phone number are required.

Active Duty Military or Veteran? Receive a 10% discount off of your tuition for ABCSD’s Continuing Education or Safety classes. To be eligible, you must submit one of the following:

• Active Duty Military ID
• VA Health Care ID
• DL feat. Veterans Designation
• Form DD-214

Document submission for eligibility is only required once.  To register and receive your discount, please call or email Construction Education at ce@abcsd.org or 858-465-7315.

Thank you for your service.

CANCELLATIONS must be received 48-business-hours prior to the start of class to receive a refund.

CANCELLATION IF TUITION COVERED: The above cancellation policy applies and notification to ABC is appreciated. Lack of cancellation and no-showing for a class will result in the full amount of tuition being deducted from any remaining Training Funds available to you for future use. 

QUESTIONS?  Please call (858) 513-4700 and ask for Construction Education.