Excavation and Trench Safety (CAN)

What is Excavation and Trench Safety (CAN)?

The Excavation and Trench Safety course equips Canadian workers and supervisors with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and manage the hazards associated with trenches, excavations, and unstable soil conditions. Learners explore soil classification, protective systems, competent person responsibilities, and atmospheric testing while reviewing practical safety measures designed to prevent cave-ins, collapses, and other excavation-related incidents. With a focus on hazard recognition, regulatory compliance, and safe work practices, this training helps participants understand how to plan, inspect, and execute excavation work safely, reinforcing critical procedures that protect both workers and the surrounding environment.

Course Overview

The Excavation and Trench Safety course provides workers and supervisors in Canada with the knowledge needed to work safely around trenches, excavations, and unstable soil conditions. Designed to meet classroom training requirements and aligned with Canadian standards, this program introduces learners to essential concepts—including soil mechanics, protective systems, atmospheric hazards, and the duties of a competent person.

The training explores why excavation hazards are among the most dangerous in the construction industry and guides learners through practical precautions that prevent trench failures, cave-ins, and atmospheric emergencies. With a focus on hazard recognition, inspection requirements, and safe work procedures, this course helps reinforce the importance of planning, communication, and regulatory compliance.

Learners also review interactive knowledge checks to support retention and prepare for the final assessment. By the end of the course, participants will understand how to classify soil, select the correct protective system, identify common trench hazards, and follow safe excavation practices on Canadian job sites.

TOPIC OVERVIEW

Excavation work exposes workers to significant risks, including collapsing soil, hazardous atmospheres, heavy equipment interactions, and unstable surfaces. Understanding soil behavior, protective systems, and entry precautions is critical for preventing injuries and ensuring compliance with Canadian requirements such as SOR 213/91 and SOR 86-304.

COURSE TOPICS

Competency & Competent Person

Understanding competency requirements
Roles and responsibilities of a competent person

Soil Classification

Soil cohesiveness
Basic soil types
Soil testing and test methods
Soil mechanics (vertical and lateral pressure, tension cracks, sliding, toppling, subsidence, bulging, heaving/squeezing, boiling)

Trench Failure & Precautions

Causes of trench collapse
Water removal and soil weight considerations

Protective Systems

Shoring and whaler systems
Pre-installation inspection and shoring installation
Warnings and shore removal
Trench shields and inspections
Rigging gear, machine inspection, and lift capacity
Shield installation (Part 2)
Safety practices
Sloping and benching
Trench access and egress

Atmosphere

Hazardous atmospheres
Control methods

Hazards

Common excavation hazards
Accident profiles
Other accident causes

COURSE DURATION

This online Excavation and Trench Safety Training course takes approximately 90–120 minutes to complete, depending on the learner’s pace.

PASS MARK

A minimum score of 80% is required to pass the course.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Upon successful completion, learners can download and print a certificate of completion.

Excavation and Trench Safety (CAN)a

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Duration

Average Completion Time

The average completion time is 90–120 minutes. Individual times will vary depending how long is spent on each module.

Testing

Knowledge Assessment

Testing is included to reinforce the training. You are allowed three attempts to achieve a passing mark of 80% or greater.

Certificate

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of this course, a certificate will be safely stored on your account and is available to download & print.

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