Washington state proposes changes to trenching, excavation rule

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is proposing changes to its trenching and excavation rule. Changes would require written work plans and other provisions.

The proposed changes would require an employer’s written work plan to include details on appropriate risk analysis prior to any work that requires a protective system. This analysis aims to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities related to trenching and excavation work. L&I offers a sample work plan on their website, or employers can create their own.

Other proposed changes would require:

• A competent person be on-site during all trenching or excavation work; and
• Recordkeeping and training requirements of the work plan be addressed.

L&I has scheduled three hearings on the proposed changes. See L&I’s rulemaking webpage for dates and times.