This course equips personnel involved in excavation activities with the essential knowledge and practical awareness required to plan, perform, supervise, and authorize excavation work safely, in full compliance with applicable standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

It covers excavation hazards, risk control measures, regulatory responsibilities, and best practices to help prevent incidents and ensure safe operations in excavation work zones.

The course comprises the following key modules:

• Introduction to Excavation and Trenching

Overview of excavation types, trenching definitions, and why excavation work is considered high-risk.  

• Excavation Hazards

Identification of common hazards such as cave-ins, underground utilities, equipment interaction, and hazardous atmospheres. 

• Excavation Planning & Risk Assessment

Steps involved in planning excavation work, including site evaluation, permit-to-work process, and risk identification techniques.  

• Selection of Protective Systems & Safe Work Practices

Overview of sloping, shoring, shielding, and benching systems; application of safe work procedures based on soil type and site conditions.

• Roles & Responsibilities 

Clarification of duties and accountability for each role, including performing authority (PA), task supervisor, engineers, and safety personnel.