Excavation Competent Person Training

As per the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) excavations and trenching regulations specified in 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P, an employer must appoint an Excavation Competent Person at the site to ensure the highest safety standards. The accidents and fatality rate at excavation sites has increased significantly in the last few years.  As many as 39 people lost their lives in 2022 and many injured.  An excavation competent person is to monitor the site for existing and predictable hazards, dangers and unsanitary conditions.  In addition, he analyses soil, and selects and monitors the use of protective systems.

At Trench Safety Training, we offer Excavation Competent Person Training in compliance with OSHA criteria and the standard.

Excavation Competent Person Training Structure

The course focuses on offering an extensive understanding of excavation site safety to the excavation-competent person. After completion of the training, the Excavation Competent Person will have:

  • Understanding of pre-shift inspection and how to perform one.
  • Recognition of potential hazards in the aspect of excavators, and how to identify and mitigate them
  • Ability to respond to operational safety requirements of different on-site risk conditions

Key Responsibility Areas of Excavation Competent Person:

  • Under 29 CFR 1926.651(h)(2)an excavation competent person must monitor water removal equipment safety.
  • Under 29 CFR 1926.651(h)(3)the excavation competent person must inspect excavation sites for safety during heavy rains and identify diversions, ditches, and other safety provisions during runoffs.
  • Under 29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1)the excavation competent person must assess and determine potential cave-in areas and identify the need for shoring and other protective measures.
  • Under 29 CFR 1926.652(d)(3)excavation competent person must test and ensure the safe use potential of damaged material and equipment
  • Under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P Appendix Aan excavation competent person must have the ability to perform both a manual and visual test of the soils being excavated to make a reasonable evaluation of their stability.
  • Under 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P Appendix F the excavation competent person must be able to determine the right protective system for employee safety. 

Excavation Competent Person Training @ Trench Safety Training

Our excavation competent person training program is designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of the job role and responsibilities of an excavation competent person. The training program enables all stakeholders to create a safe environment for excavation operations as per OSHA trench safety training standard 29 CFR 1926.650.


To enhance safety at the excavation site, Excavation Competent Person Training is a must. Contact us now to get the best Excavation safety course and become an OSHA-compliant excavation-competent person

Contact Wendell Wood at Trench Safety Training for the training programs and excavation related services your company needs.

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