According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in recent years cave-ins have caused an average of 24 worker fatalities and 88 injuries on U.S. worksites. Because excavation and trenching can be technically challenging and carries unique hazards, safe work requires a competent person trained to identify and mitigate these hazards. After completing this course, learners should be able to understand the roles and responsibilities of a competent person and recognize the hazards of excavations. Learners should also be able to recognize how to preplan for an excavation, identify the different types of soil and identify excavation protection systems. This course is available in English and Spanish.