QEHSOperations
Excavation safety
OSHA requirements for protecting workers from cave-ins and other hazards when excavating trenches or excavations deeper than 5 feet.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P requires protective systems (sloping, benching, shoring, trench box) for all excavations 5 feet or deeper, unless the excavation is in stable rock. A competent person must classify soil type (Type A, B, or C), inspect the excavation daily and after rain, and ensure adequate access/egress within 25 feet of workers. Atmospheric testing is required for excavations deeper than 4 feet where hazardous atmospheres may exist. Cave-ins are one of OSHA's "Fatal Four" and are almost always preventable with proper protective systems.