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Trenching and Excavation |
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OSHA Standards |
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Quick Link |
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Trenching and excavation hazards are addressed in specific standards for the
general industry and marine terminals.
This page highlights OSHA standards and directives
(instructions for compliance officers) related to trenching and excavation.
Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, often referred to as the General Duty
Clause, requires employers to "furnish to each of his employees employment and a
place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or
are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees". Section
5(a)(2) requires employers to "comply with occupational safety and health
standards promulgated under this Act".
Note: Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands have
OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and
enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are
identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards
applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies. |
Frequently Cited Standards
A listing of the most frequently cited standards by Federal OSHA for
Excavation Work Industry Group (SIC code 1794)
is available.
Other Highlighted Standards
General Industry (29
CFR 1910)
Marine Terminals (29
CFR 1917)
Directives
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