Trenching and excavations inspections?

• A. Daily inspections from a competent person, prior to the start of work, and re-inspected during any weather changes.
• B. Weekly inspections by a supervisor.
• C. Inspections are not required for trenches.
• D. Inspections only after an incident.

Answer: (A)

The essential idea here is that trenching and excavation hazards can change from moment to moment, so a competent person must inspect the site daily before any work starts and again whenever conditions change, such as after rain, heavy wind, or other weather changes. This ensures that any new hazards are identified and protective measures can be put in place before work continues. A daily, pre‑shift inspection conducted by someone who is competent to recognize hazards and authorized to correct them is the standard practice because it proactively protects workers from cave-ins, water accumulation, surface damage, or equipment impacts.

Weekly inspections by a supervisor miss the critical, day-to-day changes that can occur at a trench site. Inspections are required for trenches by regulations, not optional, and they are not something to be done only after an incident.