Excavation & Trenching Safety Quiz (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P)

By Vladimir / October 14, 2025

Excavation and trenching are among the most hazardous construction activities, with cave-ins posing the greatest risk.
This quick Excavation & Trenching Safety Quiz helps workers, supervisors, and safety professionals verify their understanding of OSHA Subpart P requirements and best practices for safe excavation work.

📘 Take the Quiz

Reinforce key OSHA rules on protective systems (sloping, shoring, shielding), soil classification, and inspections.
Recognize and prevent common hazards such as cave-ins, spoil-pile hazards, water accumulation, and hazardous atmospheres.
Strengthen compliance awareness and promote a proactive safety culture.
Receive a Certificate of Completion when you score 80% or higher — proof of continuous learning and engagement.

🧩 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Use this quiz as part of toolbox talks, refresher training, or onboarding.
Small knowledge checks like this help identify training needs, support compliance goals, and demonstrate commitment to safety excellence.

For tailored safety programs, training development, or OSHA compliance support, contact Vlad Ivensky, CIH, CSP at [email protected] or visit e-SafetyPro.com.

Created on October 14, 2025 By

Vladimir

Excavation & Trenching Safety Quiz (OSHA 29 CFR 1926)

Excavation and trenching work presents some of the most severe hazards in construction — particularly the risk of cave-ins. This short quiz helps verify your understanding of OSHA’s Subpart P requirements for protective systems, soil classification, competent person duties, and site safety controls.

Score 80% or higher to earn your Certificate of Completion and demonstrate your commitment to a safe, compliant work environment.

1 / 12

Which of the following are acceptable protective systems for trench safety? (Multiple choice)

Sloping or benching

Shoring

Shielding (trench box)

Handrail or guardrail only

2 / 12

What must be provided when employees are exposed to vehicular traffic near an excavation? (Multiple choice)

High-visibility warning vests

Barricades or flaggers as needed

Hard hats only

Audible alarms on equipment

3 / 12

A “competent person” is defined by OSHA as someone who: (Single choice)

Has completed OSHA 30-hour training

Can identify existing and predictable hazards and has authority to correct them

Is a company manager

Has at least 5 years of excavation experience

4 / 12

At what depth does OSHA require a protective system (sloping, shoring, or shielding) in an excavation? (Single choice)

2 feet

4 feet

5 feet

6 feet

5 / 12

Ladders or other safe means of egress must be provided in trenches that are ___ feet or more in depth and located so that workers do not have to travel more than ___ feet laterally. (Single choice)

3 feet / 50 feet

4 feet / 25 feet

5 feet / 25 feet

6 feet / 50 feet

6 / 12

Which of the following best summarizes the purpose of OSHA’s Subpart P? (Single choice)

To regulate crane operations

To prevent cave-ins and excavation-related injuries

To address electrical and fire hazards

To define PPE requirements

7 / 12

Spoil piles and equipment must be kept at least how far from the edge of the excavation? (Multiple choice)

1 foot

3 feet

As close as necessary

A distance sufficient to prevent materials from falling back in (at least 2 feet recommended)

8 / 12

Type C soil is the least stable type and requires: (Single choice)

The steepest allowable slope (34° or 1½:1)

The least protection

No trench box if under 10 feet

Same protection as Type A soil

9 / 12

Who is responsible for determining the soil classification at an excavation site? (Single choice)

Site superintendent

Competent person

Project engineer

OSHA inspector

10 / 12

How often must a competent person inspect excavations, adjacent areas, and protective systems? (Single choice)

Once per week

Before the start of each shift and as needed

Monthly

Only when soil conditions change

11 / 12

Atmospheric testing is required in excavations when: (Multiple choice)

Oxygen deficiency is suspected

Hazardous atmospheres (such as gases or fumes) could exist

Excavation is deeper than 10 feet

There is a chance of exposure to underground utilities or confined spaces

12 / 12

When water accumulation is present or likely to occur in an excavation: (Single choice)

Work may proceed normally

The employer must implement water removal measures and monitor conditions

Workers must stop work until OSHA inspects

It is acceptable if protective systems are used

Please Provide Your Information

If you’d like to receive your quiz results with explanations and a Certificate of Completion,
please enter your name and email address below.

Certificates are issued to participants who score 80% or higher.
For assistance or safety support, contact Vlad Ivensky, CIH, CSP at [email protected].

Your score is

The average score is 73%

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