Online Trench Work Course – Excavation Safety
Learn how to plan and perform work in and around excavation pits more safely. The course covers the risk of cave-ins, safety measures, access, underground installations, and emergency preparedness.
Take the theory course online—go through the trench at your workplace
The employer must provide on-site training with a qualified person before work begins. Review site conditions, safety measures, access, escape routes, installations, and the equipment you will be using. Practice tasks and emergency procedures as needed, and document the training.
The on-site review must be appropriate for the specific trench and work method. A trenching course does not provide qualifications to operate heavy equipment. The operation of an excavator is subject to separate training requirements.
✅ Training and Risk Assessment Requirements
Chapter 21 of the Regulations on the Performance of Work requires a risk assessment prior to excavation work. According to Section 21-2, workers excavating to a depth greater than 1.25 meters must receive special training, and everyone working in excavation pits must receive training to ensure health and safety. The training must be provided by competent individuals and documented.
👥 Who is this course for?
- Construction Workers and Groundwork Workers
- Machine Operators
- Plumbers and Water and Sewer Operators
- Cable and Fiber Technicians
- Site supervisors, foremen, and others who plan or oversee excavation work
📚 Here's what you'll learn
- ground conditions, depth, weather, water, traffic, and other loads
- landslide hazard, safe slope angle, and shoring
- Safe access, escape routes, and inspection of the excavation pit
- placement of excavated material, machinery, and materials
- Locating cables, pipes, and other utilities before excavation
- roles, work instructions, and information for employees
- preparedness, termination criteria, and first aid
⏱️ Duration and format
1–2 hours · self-paced online course · course certificate upon completion
🎓 What does the course certificate attest to?
The course certificate verifies completion of the theory portion and passing the knowledge test.
💡 Why Choose Komplett HMS?
- Get started right away and work through it at your own pace
- Choose from Norwegian, English, Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Swedish, and Ukrainian
- Practical information for working in and around excavation pits
- Course certificate as a PDF upon successful completion
- Automatic course access after registration
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When is training in excavation work required?
Anyone who digs deeper than 1.25 meters must receive special training. Everyone working in excavation pits must receive training that enables them to ensure their health and safety.
Is the online course enough on its own?
Take the theory course online and follow it up with in-person training before work begins. The procedure is explained in the practical section.
Do all excavation pits need to be shored up?
No. Excavations shallower than 2 meters may be vertical without shoring only when there are no specific hazards. Excavations deeper than 2 meters must be shored or given a safe slope.
What about cables and pipes underground?
Underground installations must be included in the risk assessment. The course explains why cable and pipe detection, safe work practices, and local instructions must be in place before excavation begins.
Important: Follow up at the workplace
The employer must adapt the risk assessment and work instructions to the specific trench. Review the on-site conditions together with a qualified person before work begins.
How to Purchase the Course
- Select the number of participants.
- Click "Add to Cart" and pay.
- The course will be sent to you by email. You can get started right away.
Are you purchasing on behalf of your company? You can add participants now or assign the courses later.
