Trenching/ Excavation

The Trenching and Excavation Safety Program establishes responsibilities, safe work practices, training, inspections, and PPE requirements to reduce the risk of injury or fatality.

Program Objectives

• The program is designed to assign clear responsibilities for trench and excavation safety, establish safe work practices when working in or near excavations, and ensure compliance with OSHA requirements.

General Safety Requirements

• Employees must receive trench and excavation safety training before entering trenches approximately four feet or more in depth. Trenches or excavations four feet or deeper must have a safe means of ingress and egress, such as a ladder, ramp, or stairway. Trenches or excavations five feet or deeper must be protected from cave‑ins using an appropriate protective system, and documented inspections are required for these excavations. Personnel working in trenches or excavations must wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves (as needed), high‑visibility clothing, and safety shoes. 

Supervisor Responsibilities

• Supervisors must ensure employees attend required training, comply with program requirements, understand how the program applies to their areas of responsibility, investigate trenching‑related incidents or injuries, and take prompt corrective action when unsafe conditions or practices are identified. 

OPP, COAS, and Commonwealth Campus Responsibilities

• Designated units must notify Pennsylvania One Call before excavation activities begin, mark Penn State‑owned utilities, maintain utility markings, perform or arrange excavation work, install appropriate protective systems, secure unattended trenches, perform inspections as needed, and submit Alleged Violation Reports (AVRs) to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission when applicable. 

Employee and Student Responsibilities

• Employees and unpaid students must comply with program requirements, complete required training, and report trenching or excavation concerns to their supervisor. 

Training Requirements

• Employees must be trained to the Competent Person level before entering a trench or excavation. Unpaid students must complete online trenching and excavation safety training prior to entry. 

Inspection and Recordkeeping Requirements

• Trenches and excavations must be inspected by a Competent Person before entry, with inspections documented when required. Training records must be retained for 30 years from the end of the calendar year in which training occurred or from separation of employment, and inspection records must be maintained for one year.