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OSHA Trenching and Excavation Safety Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing trenching and excavation operations on construction sites to ensure compliance with OSHA standards and maintain worker safety in excavation activities.

OSHA Trenching and Excavation Safety Audit Checklist
by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

Protect your workers and ensure compliance with our comprehensive OSHA Trenching and Excavation Safety Audit Checklist. Trenching and excavation work presents significant hazards in the construction industry, including cave-ins, falls, and hazardous atmospheres. This checklist is designed to help construction managers, safety officers, and competent persons conduct thorough safety audits of trenching and excavation operations. By systematically addressing key safety areas, this checklist helps prevent accidents, maintain OSHA compliance, and create a safer work environment for all personnel involved in trenching and excavation activities.

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Industry

Construction

Standard

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P (Excavations)

Workspaces

Construction site

Occupations

Safety Officer
Construction Manager
Site Supervisor
Excavation Competent Person
Trench Safety Specialist

Excavation Safety Compliance

(0 / 5)

1
Have all necessary cave-in prevention measures been implemented?

Select frequency of implementation.

To confirm that safety measures are in place to mitigate hazards.
2
Is a competent person present on site during excavation?

Indicate whether a competent person is present.

To ensure that there is qualified supervision to address safety concerns.
3
What is the current depth of the excavation?

Enter depth in feet.

To assess the risk of cave-ins based on excavation depth.
Min: 0
Target: 5
Max: 20
4
What type of soil classification is present in the excavation area?

Enter soil classification (e.g., Type A, B, C).

To determine the appropriate safety measures based on soil type.
5
Are trench protective systems in place and compliant with OSHA standards?

Select compliance status.

To ensure that protective systems are installed to prevent cave-ins.
6
What notes were taken during the site safety briefing?

Enter notes from the safety briefing.

To document the safety briefing for future reference.
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7
What are the current weather conditions affecting the excavation?

Select the current weather condition.

To evaluate the impact of weather on excavation safety.
8
What is the total size of the excavation area in square feet?

Enter area size in square feet.

To assess the scale of the excavation and associated risks.
Min: 0
Target: 1000
Max: 5000
9
What is the emergency contact information for the site?

Provide emergency contact details (name and phone number).

To ensure quick communication in case of an emergency.
10
Is a hazard mitigation plan in place for the excavation site?

Indicate whether a hazard mitigation plan exists.

To ensure that potential hazards are identified and addressed.
11
Have all workers completed excavation safety training?

Select training compliance status.

To ensure that all personnel are trained in excavation safety protocols.
12
What are the credentials of the equipment operators?

Provide the credentials (certifications, licenses) of the operators.

To verify that operators are qualified to operate the machinery.
13
How many workers are present at the excavation site?

Enter the number of workers present.

To assess the workforce and ensure adequate safety measures.
Min: 1
Target: 5
Max: 50
14
Is personal protective equipment (PPE) available and used by all workers?

Indicate whether PPE is available and in use.

To ensure worker safety and compliance with safety standards.
15
Is all excavation equipment inspected and certified for use?

Select the inspection status of the equipment.

To ensure that equipment is safe and compliant with regulations.
16
When was the last environmental review conducted?

Select the date of the last review.

To ensure that environmental assessments are up to date.
17
What mitigation strategies are in place to minimize environmental impact?

Enter details of mitigation strategies.

To document all strategies for reducing negative environmental effects.
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18
What soil erosion control measures are in place at the excavation site?

Select the erosion control measures in use.

To confirm that measures are implemented to prevent soil erosion.
19
What is the distance from the excavation site to the nearest water source?

Enter distance in feet.

To assess the risk of contamination and environmental impact.
Min: 0
Target: 50
Max: 500
20
Has an environmental impact assessment been conducted for the excavation site?

Indicate whether an environmental impact assessment has been performed.

To ensure that potential environmental effects are evaluated and addressed.
21
When was the last security assessment of the excavation site conducted?

Select the date of the last security assessment.

To verify that security measures are regularly reviewed.
22
What is the emergency evacuation plan for the excavation site?

Provide details of the emergency evacuation plan.

To ensure that all personnel are aware of the evacuation procedures.
23
How many entry points are there to the excavation site?

Enter the number of entry points.

To assess the security and accessibility of the site.
Min: 1
Target: 2
Max: 10
24
Is security personnel present at the excavation site?

Select the status of security personnel.

To verify that the site is monitored for safety and security.
25
Are access control measures implemented at the excavation site?

Indicate whether access control measures are in place.

To ensure that unauthorized personnel cannot access the site.

FAQs

The checklist should be used daily before work begins in an excavation, after rain or other hazard-increasing events, and as needed throughout the shift when conditions change.

The checklist covers areas such as soil classification, protective systems, access and egress, hazardous atmospheres, water accumulation, adjacent structures, and spoil pile management.

A competent person, as defined by OSHA, should conduct the audit. This individual must be capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and have the authority to take prompt corrective measures.

The checklist is based on OSHA's Excavation Standard (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P), ensuring that all key safety requirements for trenching and excavation work are addressed during audits.

Yes, while the core safety principles apply to all excavations, the checklist can be adapted to include specific requirements for different types of excavations, such as trenches, foundations, or utility work.

Benefits

Ensures compliance with OSHA trenching and excavation safety standards

Reduces the risk of cave-ins, falls, and other excavation-related accidents

Provides a systematic approach to identifying and mitigating excavation hazards

Helps maintain proper protective systems and safe work practices

Serves as documentation for safety audits and OSHA inspections