--- title: Excavation Safety description: Excavations are recognized as one of the most hazardous operations in the construction industry. Excavation cave-ins can cause serious and often fatal injuries to employees. OSHA places very strict regulations governing the design of an excavation, cave-in prevention methods, and employee training. Employees working in or around excavations need to ... image: https://www.chamberlinltd.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2470.png --- [ Client Login ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/articles/log-in-to-your-account) [ 877-428-1000 ](tel:8774281000) [ Report a Leak ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/report-a-leak) [![Chamberlin_Logo_Option](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/hubfs/Logos/Chamberlin_Logo_Option.svg) ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com) # Excavation Safety Posted on: October 24, 2018 5 AM Excavations are recognized as one of the most hazardous operations in the construction industry. Excavation cave-ins can cause serious and often fatal injuries to employees.[ OSHA](https://www.osha.gov) places very strict regulations governing the design of an excavation, cave-in prevention methods and employee training. Employees working in or around excavations need to be knowledgeable of[ safety](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/safety/) requirements. **        REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL EXCAVATIONS ![](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2470.png?width=327&height=419&name=2470.png)** - All employees working in an excavation must receive initial training. - A competent person must be clearly identified for all excavations. This person must be knowledgeable in assessing soil conditions, the use of protective systems and [OSHA requirements.](https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/trench_excavation_fs.pdf) - The soil type must be identified by the competent person on site: - Type A - clay, silty clay, sandy clay, clay loam and cemented soils (hardpan)  - Type B - angular gravel, silt, silt loam and sandy loam - Type C - gravel, sand and loamy sand - Excavated material must be placed at least two feet away from the edge of any excavation. - Precautions must be taken to ensure vibrating equipment/vehicular traffic does not cause a cave-in. - No employee shall enter an excavation that contains standing or seeping water. - Access (ladder/ramp) must be provided and located so no worker must travel more than 25 feet to exit. - Employees at the edge of an excavation six feet or more in depth shall be protected from falling. - If conditions change in or around the excavation, employees must exit the excavation and a competent person must re-inspect and give approval for employees to re-enter.  **EXCAVATIONS 5 FEET OR GREATER IN DEPTH** - Sloping, benching, or other approved cave-in protection systems must be utilized. - Trench boxes/shoring must be a designed and approved system. - The trench box should extend at least 18 inches above the surrounding ground surface. - Excavations greater than 20 feet must be designed by an engineer. [Read More on Excavation Safety](https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/14830-trenching-and-excavation-safety) #### Subscribe Today! Stay-in-the-know and subscribe to our blog today! ## Related Articles ### [Giving Back at the Food Bank Posted on: October 24, 2018 5 AM](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/giving-back-at-the-food-bank) [*Chamberlin volunteers from San Antonio and Austin.* Founded in 2010 by the San Antonio Food Bank as The Kitchen Table, the [New Braunfels Food Bank](https://nbfoodbank.org/about-us/) is an expansion of this effort to serve the... ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/giving-back-at-the-food-bank) [### Common Commercial Roof Problems Posted on: October 24, 2018 5 AM When it comes to maintaining a commercial building, one of the most important aspects to keep a safe eye on is the roof. A well-maintained roof is essential for protecting your property, extending... ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/common-commercial-roofing-problems) [### The Advantages of Standing Seam Metal Roofs for Texas Properties Posted on: October 24, 2018 5 AM As a building owner or property manager in Texas, you understand that your roof is more than just a protective covering—it's a critical component that affects the overall integrity and value of... ](https://www.chamberlinltd.com/blog/advantages-of-standing-seam-metal-roofs-for-texas-properties) © 2026 | Chamberlin, Ltd.