Safety is at the heart of every construction project. In excavation and trenching, where the risks can be high, having a trained Competent Person onsite is essential to maintaining a safe environment. At Westside Construction Group, we prioritize safety by assigning Competent Persons to every project, ensuring we comply with OSHA regulations and provide the highest standard of jobsite protection.

What is a Competent Person?

In OSHA terms, a Competent Person is someone who has the knowledge and authority to identify and eliminate potential hazards in the work environment. They are trained to:

• Recognize existing and predictable dangers, especially in hazardous conditions.
• Take corrective measures swiftly to ensure a safe worksite.
• Oversee protective systems, soil conditions, and safety protocols daily, adjusting as needed when conditions change.

A Competent Person isn’t just trained in safety protocols—they are authorized to make the critical decisions that keep the site safe for everyone involved.

Why Competent Persons are Essential in Excavation

Excavation and trenching are high-risk activities where conditions can change rapidly. Here are some key areas where a Competent Person makes a difference:

1. Daily Trench and Excavation Inspections
   • Before any work begins, Competent Persons inspect trenches and surrounding soil conditions. This inspection is repeated daily and any time conditions change, such as after rain or nearby work that could impact trench stability.
   • Example: If there’s heavy rain overnight, our Competent Person checks the trench’s condition before work resumes, addressing potential erosion, flooding, or soil shifts.
2. Protective Systems Installation
   • For trenches over five feet deep, OSHA requires protective systems like shoring, sloping, or trench boxes. A Competent Person assesses the soil type and other factors to determine the safest method for protecting the trench.
   • Example: For unstable Type C soil, our Competent Person may decide to install trench boxes or additional shoring to secure the trench walls.
3. Hazard Identification and Swift Action
   • Competent Persons are trained to recognize hazards on the spot and take immediate action to address them. This proactive approach prevents incidents and maintains a safe working environment.
   • Example: If heavy machinery is parked too close to the trench edge, the Competent Person will direct operators to move it further away to prevent trench wall destabilization.
4. Atmospheric Testing for Deep Excavations
   • In trenches over four feet deep, atmospheric testing may be required to detect low oxygen levels or hazardous gases. Competent Persons ensure that these checks are performed to safeguard the crew from potential respiratory dangers.

How Westside Construction Group’s Competent Persons Ensure Compliance and Safety

Westside Construction Group goes above and beyond OSHA’s standards by investing in our Competent Persons’ training and development. Each team member is thoroughly prepared to identify risks, maintain compliance, and keep our sites safe and secure. Their expertise allows us to complete projects efficiently while prioritizing the well-being of everyone involved.

By choosing Westside Construction Group, you’re selecting a construction partner who takes safety seriously. Contact us today to learn more about our safety measures and how we can support your next project with expertise and care.