Solar
Health & Safety
Construction
Safety & Compliance
Jobsite Safety
General Construction
Trenching and Shoring Safety
About this course
This course introduces the fundamentals of safe trenching and shoring for construction workers who may work in or around trench operations. Learners examine soil types and changing ground conditions, trench hazards, protective systems, and the proper use of sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding to reduce cave-in risks. The course also covers practical trench safety requirements, including competent-person inspections, safe access and egress, spoil and equipment placement, and recognizing conditions that require work to stop. Emphasis is placed on hazard recognition, following approved protective-system requirements, and maintaining safe working conditions throughout trench operations.
Learning Objectives
- Define basic trenching terminology and identify common trenching hazards.
- Describe how soil types and changing ground conditions affect trench stability.
- Explain the purpose and basic differences between sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding systems.
- Identify safe practices for trench access and egress, spoil placement, barricades, tools, and equipment.
- Describe the responsibilities of a competent person and the importance of ongoing trench inspections.
- Recognize warning signs of potential cave-ins or changing conditions that require work to stop.
- Apply basic trench safety guidelines when working in or around trenching operations.
This course is included in this bundle
Course outline
4 modules
3 hours to complete
1:19 hours
of video lectures
Module 1 • 7 assignments
Trenching Fundamentals
Module 1 • 7 assignments
Trenching Fundamentals
This module introduces the basic principles of trenching, including how trenches are created, the hazards associated with removing and disturbing soil, and the steps required to prepare a trench for safe work. Learners will review site assessment, underground utility location, equipment selection, trench stability, and safe access and egress. The module also emphasizes the role of the competent person in inspecting trench conditions and determining when workers may safely enter.
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Module 2 • 4 assignments
Soil Types, Conditions, and Protective Systems
Module 2 • 4 assignments
Soil Types, Conditions, and Protective Systems
This module examines how soil characteristics and changing ground conditions affect trench stability and the risk of cave-ins. Learners will be introduced to OSHA soil classifications, including stable rock and Types A, B, and C, and how soil conditions influence allowable slopes and protective-system decisions. The module explores sloping, benching, shoring, and shielding and explains how factors such as trench depth, water, vibration, nearby loads, and surrounding structures influence the type of protection required. Learners will also recognize that protective systems must be continually monitored because changing conditions can make a previously safe trench unstable.
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Module 3 • 4 assignments
Safety Guidelines for Trench Work, Tools, and Equipment
Module 3 • 4 assignments
Safety Guidelines for Trench Work, Tools, and Equipment
This module focuses on practical safety guidelines for working in and around trenches and using the tools and equipment associated with excavation work. Learners will review safe practices for maintaining barricades, controlling access, keeping spoil piles, tools, and equipment away from trench edges, and stopping work when signs of a potential cave-in appear. The module also addresses selecting appropriate hand tools and excavation equipment, maintaining safe access and egress, and recognizing how equipment can introduce vibration, surcharge loads, falling-object hazards, and other risks.
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Conclusion • 3 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
Conclusion • 3 assignments
Feedback and Additional Resources
This is our last module but you still have access to the all of course materials for 12 months (1 year), so keep working and you'll be able to complete the course at your own pace. After your year of access expires you can optionally extend access with a HeatSpring Membership. Enjoy the course and keep in touch!
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Author
We’re on a mission to transform the labor force into skilled and knowledgeable journeyworkers. Our initiatives are designed to not only satisfy the urgent need for skilled labor but also cultivate a thriving talent pool that fuels growth and sparks innovation in the solar industry.
Frequently asked questions
Full FAQHow does this course work?
You can begin this online course instantly upon enrollment. This course is delivered entirely online. Pre-order courses are available on launch date. This course is self-paced and you can set your own schedule to complete the materials. You can begin the lecture videos and other course materials as soon as you enroll. After successfully completing the course, you will be able to generate a certificate of completion.
How long do I have access to the materials?
Students get unlimited access to the course materials as soon as they enroll and for one year (365 days) after enrollment. Rewatch videos and review assignments as many times as you want. View updates the instructor makes to the course as the industry advances. Return to your course anytime with online access from anywhere in the world. After the one year of access expires, access can be extended by joining as a HeatSpring member. A single membership extends access to course materials for all past enrollments.
Is there a certificate of completion?
Yes, when you complete this course you are eligible for a certificate of completion from HeatSpring. You can download your certificate as soon as you have completed all of the course requirements. Students can easily share their verified certificates on their LinkedIn profiles using our LinkedIn integration.
Can I register multiple people?
Yes, please visit our For Teams page to get a group discount.