Excavation protection and an error in OSHA safety materials
Apply this to your situation
This page explains the general guidance. Ask about your specific situation and see what current federal labor law says, with citations.
July 16, 1993
Mr. B. F. Brislenn, P.E.,
C.H.C.M. Construction
Safety Administrator
Walt Disney World Company
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Brislenn:
This is in response to your March 12 letter concerning an error in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration publication of Fatal Facts No. 61.
You are correct in noting that our current excavation standard (1926.652(a)) does not specify a minimum length that an excavation must be before a protective system is required. This Fatal Facts sheet was developed from a report of an accident that occurred before the new excavation standards became effective. The reference to a trench 8 feet or longer originated from the language of the older standard and should have been deleted in Fatal Facts No. 61.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are working to correct this error in future printings of this publication and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Sincerely,
Roy G. Gurnham, Esq., P.E. Director
Office of Construction and Maritime
Compliance Assistance
[Requester letter reproduced on OSHA page; omitted here.]
What does federal law require in your situation?
Ezel checks current federal labor law against your facts and answers with citations.
Opens in Ezel Pro.
- Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
- Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
- Chat, drafting and research in one workspace