United Rentals - Trench Safety

OSHA defines a competent person as "one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them."

The three things that define a confined space are limited or restricted means of entry or exit, the space is not intended for continuous human occupancy, and the space is large enough for a human to enter and conduct work.

A trench box is a protective system designed to protect workers from the pressure and weight of the soil in the event of a cave-in. Trench boxes can also be called trench shields or trench sheets