Excavation Competent Person Daily Inspection Checklist

Why Excavation Kills More Workers Than Almost Any Other Task

Trench collapses kill about 20-30 US workers per year. The math is unforgiving: a cubic yard of soil weighs 2,700-3,000 lbs. If a wall collapses on a worker in a 6-foot deep trench, that's 15,000+ lbs of soil pinning them. Rescue takes 30+ minutes even with fast response. Most workers suffocate in 3 minutes.

That's why OSHA takes excavation so seriously. And why the competent person inspection is the last defense.

The Competent Person's Legal Definition

Not every foreman is a competent person for excavation. Under 1926.650(b), the competent person must:

1. Have the training and knowledge to identify existing and predictable hazards
2. Recognize dangerous conditions (unsafe atmosphere, unstable soil, water accumulation, etc.)
3. Have the AUTHORITY to stop work and take prompt corrective action

OSHA doesn't certify competent persons — the employer designates them. But if you designate a laborer who has no training, no experience, and no authority, that's a citation waiting to happen.

The Full Daily Inspection Checklist

Section 1: Pre-Entry Assessment (BEFORE workers enter)

• ☐ Utility locates completed (811 called, marks visible)
• ☐ Excavation properly barricaded/protected on all sides
• ☐ Spoil piles set back minimum 2 feet from edge
• ☐ Heavy equipment kept at safe distance
• ☐ No standing water in excavation
• ☐ Access/egress ladder within 25 feet lateral travel
• ☐ Ladder extends 3 feet above landing surface

Section 2: Soil Classification

Under 1926 Subpart P Appendix A, soil must be classified. Options:

• ☐ Stable rock (no protective system required)
• ☐ Type A (most stable cohesive soil — clay, silty clay)
• ☐ Type B (moderate stability — silt, sandy loam, previously disturbed Type A)
• ☐ Type C (least stable — sand, gravel, water-saturated, submerged)

Classification method used (visual + at least one manual test): ______________

Section 3: Protective System Verification

Excavations 5 feet or deeper (in soil other than stable rock) MUST have one of:

Sloping/Benching

• ☐ Sloping angle correct for soil type (1.5:1 Type C, 1:1 Type B, 0.75:1 Type A)
• ☐ Benches (if used) meet Appendix B configuration

Shoring

• ☐ Shoring installed to manufacturer's tabulated data OR engineered design
• ☐ Shoring inspected for damage/deterioration
• ☐ Installation matches drawings or PE stamped design (for 20 feet+ deep)

Shielding (Trench Box)

• ☐ Trench box rated for depth and soil type
• ☐ Trench box extends above lip of excavation OR sloped above box top
• ☐ Vertical distance from bottom of box to bottom of excavation ≤ 2 feet
• ☐ No horizontal gaps between box and trench wall greater than allowed

Section 4: Atmospheric Testing (if applicable)

Required in excavations 4+ feet deep where hazardous atmospheres could reasonably exist:

• ☐ Oxygen: _____% (19.5-23.5% acceptable)
• ☐ Combustible gases: _____% LEL (must be <20%)
• ☐ Toxic gases (H2S, CO, etc.): _____ ppm
• ☐ Meter calibration date: __________

Section 5: Water Management

• ☐ No standing water in work area
• ☐ Pumps operating (if applicable)
• ☐ Water diversion around excavation (if needed)
• ☐ Additional inspection after any rainfall/water intrusion

Section 6: Ongoing Monitoring

• ☐ Cracks or tension cracks in excavation walls
• ☐ Bulging or sloughing of walls
• ☐ Undermining beneath adjacent structures
• ☐ Changes in soil moisture
• ☐ Vibration from nearby equipment or traffic

Signature Block

Competent Person Name: _______________________
Signature: _______________________
Date: __________
Time of inspection: __________
Any hazards found and actions taken: _____________________________________

When Inspections Must Be Repeated

Not just "daily" — under 1926.651(k), inspections are required:

• Daily, before work begins
• As needed throughout the shift
• After every rainstorm
• After any other hazard-increasing event (equipment vibration, materials added to spoil pile, water intrusion, etc.)

Each of these triggers a new documented inspection. Not the same form re-signed at 4pm.

Common Excavation Citations

• No protective system in excavation 5+ ft — Most common. Fatal when it fails.
• No competent person designated or on site — Everyone assumes someone else has it.
• Inspection not documented — Verbal inspection doesn't count.
• Ladder access more than 25 ft away — Common, easily fixed.
• Spoil pile too close to edge — 2 ft setback minimum from lip.
• Improper soil classification — Calling Type C soil "Type B" to avoid sloping requirements. OSHA catches this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Article by Anthony Forbes. 20 years field experience. All templates written by Anthony directly.