Trenching and Excavation Safety Awareness Training

Course Description

This trenching and excavation safety awareness training course gives workers and supervisors essential awareness of the hazards associated with trenching and excavation work on construction sites across Ontario. Participants will learn to identify common risks such as cave-ins, hazardous atmospheres, water accumulation, and nearby equipment, and understand basic preventive safety controls, including protective systems, safe access/egress, inspections, and emergency response.

The course supports compliance with Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91) by outlining key legal requirements for trenching and excavation safety and reinforcing general employer and worker duties. This training builds awareness and helps learners understand their responsibilities before working in or around excavations.

Who should take this Course

This excavation safety training is ideal for:

  • Construction workers involved in or near trenching and excavation activities
  • Supervisors, forepersons, and site personnel responsible for excavation work
  • Apprentices, new workers, or workers transitioning to construction environments
  • Anyone who needs to understand excavation hazards and Ontario safety requirements

Whether you’re on the job site or part of a project team, this course equips you with the safety awareness you need before entering or working around trenches.

Course Objectives

By completing this course, learners will be able to:

  • Differentiate between a trench and an excavation
  • Describe soil types and related safety risks
  • Recognize common trenching and excavation hazards
  • Apply Ontario excavation safety regulations
  • Understand and select appropriate protective systems and shoring
  • Identify risks to nearby structures
  • Help prevent accidents and injuries on site

Delivery Mode

The course is offered as self-directed online learning, providing flexible 24/7 access through a personalized learner account on an intuitive Learning Management System (LMS).

Platforms

You can access the course on:

  • Laptops, desktops, or mobile devices
  • All major web browsers
  • The Brightspace Pulse App (available on the App Store and Google Play)

Assessment

To earn your certificate of completion, you’ll need to score at least 80% on the final assessment. You may review the course material and retake the quiz if needed.

Certification

Upon successful completion, a digital Certificate of Completion is generated and stored in your LMS profile. A PDF version is also available to download and print.

Duration

Expect to complete the course in approximately 40 minutes.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites — this excavation safety training is accessible to all learners regardless of experience or role.

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