1926.651(k)(1): Daily Excavation Inspections
A competent person must inspect excavations, the areas next to them and protective systems every day for signs of possible cave-ins, failing protective systems, hazardous atmospheres or other hazards. Inspections are done before work starts, as needed during the shift and after every rainstorm or other hazard-increasing event, when workers can reasonably be expected to be exposed.
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(k)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 588 times in the last 3 years, in 588 inspections, with $2,457,174 in current penalties.
- 13 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: CO (40), TN (37), TX (33).
- Related part: 1926.651(k) Inspections (741 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.651(k)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.651 Specific excavation requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart P). 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
(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. 588 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Injuries linked to this rule
13 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.651(k)(1).
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 | 45 |
| 2024 | 186 |
| 2025 | 200 |
| 2026 | 157 |
Top states: CO (40), TN (37), TX (33), NY (32), KY (32)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SOUND CONSTRUCTION INC. | STAMFORD, CT | $165,514 |
| NORRIS BROS. EXCAVATING LLC | MAYNARDVILLE, TN | $70,000 |
| 317737921 - NORTHWEST EARTHMOVERS INC | HILLSBORO, OR | $46,113 |
| 317740280 - RENNER TRUCKING AND EXCAVATING INC | BEAVERTON, OR | $39,696 |
| ROSWELL, CITY OF, WATER DEPARTMENT | ROSWELL, NM | $38,861 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.651(k)(1), 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) Inspections 741 citations
- 1926.651(k)(2) 153 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 throughout the shift, and after every rainstorm or other hazard-increasing occurrence.
Are inspections always required?
They are only required when employee exposure can be reasonably anticipated.
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 2026-10-19
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.