Excavation and Trenching

EXC-1.2

Working in and around excavations or trenches can be hazardous. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average of 24 worker deaths and 88 injuries every year from cave-ins alone. Falls, falling loads, hazardous atmospheres and mobile excavating equipment can also create hazards for workers in trenches and excavations. Workers in excavations need to know what hazards they'll be exposed to and how to protect themselves. Learners who successfully complete this course should be able to identify trenching and excavation requirements and recognize hazards in excavations. Learners should also be able to identify hazard controls in and around excavations and recognize both employee and competent person responsibilities in excavations.