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29 CFR 1926.651: Excavations

Subpart P—Excavations · official heading: Specific excavation requirements

Before digging, underground utilities must be located. Trenches 4 feet deep or more need a ladder, ramp or other way out within 25 feet of each worker. Spoil piles stay at least 2 feet from the edge, and a competent person inspects the excavation every day.

12,362citations since 2015
6,606employers cited
86%serious, willful or repeat
$1,966median penalty per item

OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1926.651 12,362 times since 2015, against 6,606 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $45,650,672 at their current amounts.

Citations per year

The parts of the rule cited most

1926.651(c)(2) · 3,472 citations

(2) Means of egress from trench excavations. A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress shall be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1.22 m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel for employees.

1926.651(k)(1) · 2,728 citations

(k) Inspections. (1) Daily inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems shall be made by a competent person for evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions. An inspection shall be conducted by the competent person prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections shall also be made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence. These inspections are only required when employee exposure can be reasonably anticipated.

1926.651(j)(2) · 2,654 citations

(2) Employees shall be protected from excavated or other materials or equipment that could pose a hazard by falling or rolling into excavations. Protection shall be provided by placing and keeping such materials or equipment at least 2 feet (.61 m) from the edge of excavations, or by the use of retaining devices that are sufficient to prevent materials or equipment from falling or rolling into excavations, or by a combination of both if necessary.

1926.651(k)(2) · 920 citations

(2) Where the competent person finds evidence of a situation that could result in a possible cave-in, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions, exposed employees shall be removed from the hazardous area until the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure their safety.

1926.651(h)(1) · 425 citations

(h) Protection from hazards associated with water accumulation. (1) Employees shall not work in excavations in which there is accumulated water, or in excavations in which water is accumulating, unless adequate precautions have been taken to protect employees against the hazards posed by water accumulation. The precautions necessary to protect employees adequately vary with each situation, but could include special support or shield systems to protect from cave-ins, water removal to control the level of accumulating water, or use of a safety harness and lifeline.

1926.651(j)(1) · 324 citations

(j) Protection of employees from loose rock or soil. (1) Adequate protection shall be provided to protect employees from loose rock or soil that could pose a hazard by falling or rolling from an excavation face. Such protection shall consist of scaling to remove loose material; installation of protective barricades at intervals as necessary on the face to stop and contain falling material; or other means that provide equivalent protection.

1926.651(i)(3) · 308 citations

(3) Sidewalks, pavements, and appurtenant structure shall not be undermined unless a support system or another method of protection is provided to protect employees from the possible collapse of such structures.

1926.651(e) · 241 citations

(e) Exposure to falling loads. No employee shall be permitted underneath loads handled by lifting or digging equipment. Employees shall be required to stand away from any vehicle being loaded or unloaded to avoid being struck by any spillage or falling materials. Operators may remain in the cabs of vehicles being loaded or unloaded when the vehicles are equipped, in accordance with § 1926.601(b)(6), to provide adequate protection for the operator during loading and unloading operations.

Industries cited most

  • Construction 11,462
  • Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 227
  • Utilities 210
  • Public Administration 114
  • Manufacturing 47
  • Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 47

States cited most

Recently cited employers