OSHA 1926.652(a)(1): protective systems for trenches and excavations
Under 29 CFR 1926.652(a)(1), every worker in an excavation must be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system, such as sloping, benching, shoring or shielding, unless the excavation is entirely in stable rock or is less than 5 feet deep and a competent person finds no indication of a potential cave-in.
Official text
(1) Each employee in an excavation shall be protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with paragraph (b) or (c) of this section except when: (i) Excavations are made entirely in stable rock; or (ii) Excavations are less than 5 feet (1.52m) in depth and examination of the ground by a competent person provides no indication of a potential cave-in.Read the full section on eCFR
What it requires, in plain English
- Protective systems are designed under 1926.652(b) for sloping and benching or 1926.652(c) for support systems, shields and other designs.
- The exceptions are excavations entirely in stable rock, and excavations under 5 feet deep where a competent person sees no sign of a potential cave-in.
- A competent person inspects excavations daily and after rainstorms or other events that increase hazards, under 1926.651(k).
Where it shows up on site
- Workers in a vertical-walled utility trench with no shoring or trench box
- A trench box set, but workers outside it at the open end
- Spoil piled at the edge of the trench
Verify on site before you call it
A photo rarely shows every fact a standard depends on. Confirm these in person before treating the condition as a violation:
- What is the measured depth of the trench at the worker's location?
- What is the soil classification and has a competent person examined the ground?
- Is any protective system (shoring, shielding, sloping, benching) present outside the visible frame?
- Who is the designated competent person for this excavation?
Typical corrective actions
- Stop work in the unprotected trench until a competent person evaluates depth, soil, and protective-system needs.
- Install an adequate protective system (sloping, benching, shoring, or shielding) per the standard before re-entry.
- Have a competent person verify the selected system and its installation before workers re-enter.
Related standards
This guide summarizes federal OSHA construction standards for general information. It is not legal advice. States with their own OSHA-approved plans may set different or additional requirements; see federal and state coverage.