1926.651(k): Daily Excavation Inspections
Employers must have a competent person inspect excavations, nearby areas and protective systems daily, before work starts, as needed during the shift and after every rainstorm or other hazard-increasing event. If the competent person finds signs of a possible cave-in, protective system failure or hazardous atmosphere, exposed workers must be removed until it is safe.
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(k) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 739 times in the last 3 years, in 724 inspections, with $3,239,701 in current penalties.
- 16 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (55), MD (43), CO (42).
- Related part: 1926.651(k)(1) (587 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.651(k) ("Inspections") is one requirement inside 1926.651 Specific excavation requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart P). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(k) Inspections. 739 citations
(1) Daily inspections of excavations, the adjacent areas, and protective systems shall be made by a competent person for evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-ins, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions. An inspection shall be conducted by the competent person prior to the start of work and as needed throughout the shift. Inspections shall also be made after every rainstorm or other hazard increasing occurrence. These inspections are only required when employee exposure can be reasonably anticipated. Open (k)(1) 587 citations
(2) Where the competent person finds evidence of a situation that could result in a possible cave-in, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions, exposed employees shall be removed from the hazardous area until the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure their safety. Open (k)(2) 152 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Injuries linked to this rule
16 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.651(k).
At 11:30 a.m. on February 28, 2025, Employee #1 and Employee #2 and Coworker #1 and Coworker #2 , were applying CTS Cement Rapid Set Mortar Mix on an exposed fieldstone foundation wall to reinforce the deteriorating wall. The crew was working inside a trench…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 57 |
| 2024 | 235 |
| 2025 | 258 |
| 2026 | 189 |
Top states: TN (55), MD (43), CO (42), OH (40), NY (39)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SOUND CONSTRUCTION INC. | STAMFORD, CT | $165,514 |
| CPX2026XJW184X0206 - B & F CONTRACTING, INC. | PHOENIX, AZ | $146,868 |
| NORRIS BROS. EXCAVATING LLC | MAYNARDVILLE, TN | $70,000 |
| NORRIS BROS. EXCAVATING LLC | LA FOLLETTE, TN | $70,000 |
| 317737921 - NORTHWEST EARTHMOVERS INC | HILLSBORO, OR | $46,113 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.651(k), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Competent person responsibilities at excavations. (1992-08-05)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.651(k)(1) 587 citations
- 1926.651(k)(2) 152 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who inspects an excavation?
A competent person.
When must excavations be inspected?
Daily before work starts, as needed during the shift, and after every rainstorm or other hazard-increasing occurrence, when employee exposure can be reasonably anticipated.
What happens if the inspection finds a hazard?
Exposed employees must be removed from the hazardous area until precautions make it safe.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.651 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.