Competent Person Excavation Inspections Safety

Key Hazards

• Excavations entered without proper inspection
• Changing soil conditions or signs of instability
• Protective systems that no longer match site conditions
• Water accumulation or seepage weakening trench walls
• Spoil piles, equipment, or traffic creating surcharge loads
• Unsafe access, egress, or utility exposure

2–3 Minute Talk Script

A competent person inspection is a critical part of excavation safety. Excavations can change quickly, and workers should not enter unless conditions have been evaluated and hazards are controlled.

The competent person should inspect the excavation before workers enter and as conditions change. Rain, vibration, water, traffic, equipment movement, digging progress, and soil changes can all affect stability.

Soil conditions should be evaluated carefully. Cracks, sloughing, bulging, soft spots, water seepage, previously disturbed soil, and falling material may indicate increased cave-in risk.

Protective systems should be checked to confirm they match the excavation conditions. Trench boxes, shoring, sloping, and benching must be appropriate for the depth, soil, water, and work being performed.

Access and egress should be reviewed. Ladders, ramps, stairs, and safe travel paths must be available and should not be blocked by spoil, pipe, tools, pumps, or equipment.

Spoil piles, equipment, materials, and traffic should be kept away from the edge as required. These loads can add pressure to trench walls and increase collapse risk.

Underground and overhead utilities should remain part of the inspection. Exposed pipe, gas lines, electrical lines, conduits, and overhead hazards can create risks beyond the excavation itself.

A competent person inspection is not a formality. It is the step that determines whether workers can enter, what controls are needed, and when work must stop until conditions are corrected.

Safety Reminders

• Inspect excavations before workers enter.
• Reinspect after rain, vibration, water, or changing conditions.
• Watch for cracks, sloughing, bulging, and water seepage.
• Confirm protective systems match current conditions.
• Keep access and egress clear.
• Control spoil piles, equipment, and surcharge loads.
• Stop work if conditions become unsafe.

Ask the Crew

• Has the excavation been inspected by a competent person?
• Have conditions changed since the last inspection?
• Are there signs of soil movement, water, or instability?
• Does the protective system still match the excavation?
• Are access, utilities, spoil piles, and equipment placement safe?