Trench and Excavation Competent Person Training

Get your team trained to identify hazards, evaluate soil conditions, and maintain safer excavation practices with trench and excavation competent person training from KARM Safety Solutions.

Our course is designed for supervisors, foremen, safety staff, and crews working in trenching and excavation operations across Oregon. Available online or on-site, this training helps employers stay compliant with OSHA and Oregon safety requirements while reducing jobsite risks.

Why Trench and Excavation Training Matters

Trenching and excavation work is among the most dangerous activities in construction. Cave-ins, utility strikes, equipment hazards, and unstable soil conditions can lead to severe injuries or fatalities if crews are not properly trained.

Our training helps your team:

  • Recognize trench and excavation hazards
  • Understand OSHA excavation standards
  • Perform soil analysis and hazard assessments
  • Apply safe access, egress, sloping, benching, and shoring practices
  • Improve compliance and reduce jobsite risk

Who Needs This Training

This course is ideal for:

  • Competent persons overseeing trenching and excavation work
  • Construction supervisors and foremen
  • Utility contractors
  • Site safety personnel
  • Workers involved in excavation operations

If your team is responsible for trench safety, this training is essential.

What the Training Covers

Our Trench and Excavation Competent Person Training covers key topics required for safe, compliant excavation work, including:

  • OSHA trenching and excavation standards
  • Key trenching and excavation definitions
  • Hazard identification and risk recognition
  • Soil classification and testing
  • Underground utility hazards
  • Equipment and vehicle hazards near excavations
  • Sloping, benching, shoring, and protective systems
  • Access and egress requirements
  • Emergency awareness and jobsite safety procedures

OSHA Standards Covered

This training is built around the requirements of:

  • OSHA 29 CFR 1926.650–652
  • Applicable excavation and competent person requirements
  • Relevant trench safety best practices for construction job sites

For teams working under MSHA Part 46, additional training options are also available.

What You Receive

Upon successful completion, participants receive a:

  • Trench and Excavation Competent Person Certificate
  • Documentation to support OSHA training records
  • Qualification evidence for jobsite safety programs

We also offer Continuing Certification Credits (CCB, LCB, and MSHA) in Oregon for eligible participants. 


Onsite Safety Support

We also conduct on-site visits and jobsite safety support to help reinforce real-world trench safety practices.

Why Choose KARM Safety Solutions

KARM Safety Solutions provides practical training built around real field conditions—not just classroom theory. We combine OSHA-aligned instruction with real-world jobsite experience to help your team improve safety performance and stay compliant.

  • OSHA-compliant training
  • Practical, real-world instruction
  • In-person and online options
  • Built for construction, utility, and industrial teams
  • Experienced safety trainers
  • Strong focus on hazard recognition and prevention

Get Your Team Trained and OSHA-Ready

Make sure your supervisors and crews understand how to identify excavation hazards and maintain a safer jobsite.