When
April 01, 2025
Time
1:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Contact Hours
8
Location Online - Course
This hybrid online class will combine both live instruction and independent online work that you will complete during the day. Independent work will include quizzes, readings, videos and short assignments. Access to a computer with a webcam (either a camera that is built into your laptop or one that connects via USB), a reliable internet connection and a workspace that is free from distraction and noise will set you up for success.
Description
Trenching and excavation work presents serious hazards to all workers involved. Cave-ins pose the greatest risk and are more likely than some other excavation-related incidents to result in worker fatalities. This course will address key steps towards preventing or greatly reducing the risk of cave-ins and other excavation related events. The course accomplishes this by walking the student through ways to define soil classifications, raising awareness about the importance of proper preplanning procedures, identifying protective systems, and describing sloping and benching options for different soil classifications.
Learning Outcomes
Describe the difference between an Excavation and a Trench
Describe the dangers of trenching and excavation operations
Describe the four protective systems commonly used that protect workers from cave-ins
Describe the different techniques for classifying soil
Describe other excavation hazards that workers are exposed to while performing excavation work
Agenda
LEARNING MODULES
MODULE 1: OSHA Standards for Construction – Subpart P Excavations
MODULE 2: Soil Classification / Soil Classification Practices
MODULE 3: Protective Systems / Sloping and Benching
MODULE 4: Protective Systems / Shoring and Shielding
Instructor
Walter C. Catlett
Walt Catlett possesses over 25 years of experience in urban drainage and stormwater management, combined with over 30 years of safety experience from the concrete pipe industry, military, and consulting engineering. He is an effective trainer and educator responsible for the training of military personnel and public works professionals. He serves on Virginia’s Local Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) Advisory Board. He also serves on the Arkansas Department of Transportation’s Research Advisory Council. He has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, PA. Mr. Catlett served in the United States Marine Corps and United States Army Reserves for a combined 30 years.
Who Should Attend
The class benefits anyone who works around trenches, whether as an installer, inspector, or design engineer. This workshop raises awareness about OSHA’s excavation and trenching standards and identifies safe work practices to protect workers and visitors from cave-ins and other hazards on the job site.
Registration and Payment
The following registration fees cover the session, all course materials and meals:
Local Government: $65.00
State/Federal: $70.00
Private Industry: $165.00
Click here for UVA TTA's general registration information, cancellation policy, and refund policy. UVA TTA accepts the following credit cards: American Express, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. Credit card information cannot be taken over the phone. Alternatively, after registering you can print out a voucher to send in with your payment. After you have completed the transaction you will receive an automatically generated email confirming registration and payment if applicable. Final confirmation and instructions will be sent out during the week prior to the class date.
Special Registration Instructions for Employees of the Virginia Department of Transportation
VDOT employees must register through the VDOT Virtual Campus. Registration fees and related expenses for all VDOT employees will be paid from the VDOT Learning Services Center budget. Registrants should contact their District Training Coordinator or the VDOT Learning Services Center (Central Office employees) for instructions on how to seek reimbursement for travel expenses.
Due to current travel restrictions, VDOT employees are strongly encouraged to attend U. Va. TTA workshops on a day trip basis. Overnight travel requires permission from your District Administrator or Chief -- and in some cases higher levels of authority. If you require overnight lodging to attend a U. Va. TTA workshop, consult with your supervisor, District Training Coordinator, or VDOT Learning Services Center on travel approval procedures.