A contractor says OSHA standards do not apply because he has not dug a trench. Is he correct?

The assertion that OSHA standards do not apply simply because a trench has not been dug is inaccurate. OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has a set of regulations that apply to excavation and trenching operations irrespective of whether a trench is present or not.

These standards are designed to protect workers from a range of hazards that can occur during any excavation work, including but not limited to collapsing soil, falling loads, and equipment hazards. Any excavation, whether it is for a trench or a shallow footing, must adhere to OSHA regulations that establish guidelines for safety practices, soil classification, protective systems, and other considerations critical to worker safety.

Moreover, OSHA standards are applicable to excavations of any depth, highlighting that the application of these standards is not contingent on the size or type of excavation site. The presence of hazards associated with excavation work necessitates adherence to safety protocols regardless of the trench's existence. This approach ensures that workers are protected under a comprehensive framework, promoting safe practices throughout various types of excavation work.