Washington state trenching, excavation rule now in effect

Washington state’s trenching and excavation rule took effect June 1. The rule amends chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety standard for construction work, Part N, Excavation, trenching, and shoring, to require employers to include a risk analysis in their written work plan before any work involving a protective system begins. The work plan can be found on the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website or employers may create their own.

The adopted rule also:

• Creates a standalone definition section and adds a new definition of "work plan,"
• Requires a competent person to remain onsite during all trenching and excavation work, and
• Addresses recordkeeping and training requirements of the trench excavation work plan.