Trenching & Excavating Safety: Competent Person - Cheshire
Date: 1/21/2026 7:30 AM - 1/21/2026 3:00 PM
Location: Cheshire Community House
191 Church St
Cheshire, Massachusetts
Capacity:
Overview

Description
What does it mean to be a “Competent Person” in Trenching and Excavation Safety? The OSHA excavation standard states that a competent person is: “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 has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.” OSHA states that you must have specific training in and knowledge to perform soil analyses, determine the protective system to be used in excavations and conduct daily inspections.
This workshop will present individuals with training in the following areas:
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Conducting site inspections
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Establishing proper access & egress
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Identifying potential environmental hazards
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Determining soil composition & classification
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Implementing protective systems (sloping, shoring, shielding)
Who Should Attend
Public Works professionals, both management and operations, involved in trenching and excavation who desire “competent person” proficiency in trenching/excavations as it applies to OSHA regulations.
Please download the handouts prior to class.
Registration 7:30 AM. Class begins at 8:00 AM.
Accommodations for Disabilities: UMTC endeavors to provide an inclusive learning environment for all. If you require special services or arrangements to fully participate in this workshop, please email Katie Sabourin or call 413-468-0093 at least 14 days prior to the event. Such services are provided free of charge.
Attendees
| First Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Corey | Town of Cheshire |
| Corey | Town of Cheshire |
| Adam | City of Pittsfield |
| Andon | Town of Williamstown Water Dept. |
| Anthony | City of Chicopee |
| Brandon | Town of Charlemont |
| Brandon | Town of Charlemont |
| Brennan | Town of Dalton |
| Brent | Town of Cheshire |
| Chad | Town of Williamstown DPW |
| Chris | Town of Williamstown DPW |
| Chris | Town of Williamstown DPW |
| Craig | City of Pittsfield |
| Daniel | Town of Cheshire |
| Derrick | City of Northampton DPW |
| Ed | Town of Cheshire |
| Elbert | City of Pittsfield |
| Enders | City of Chicopee |
| Eric | Town of Otis |
| Evan | Town of Williamstown Water Dept. |
| James | Town of Dalton |
| Jeff | Town of Charlemont |
| Jordan | City of Pittsfield |
| Joseph | Town of Williamstown DPW |
| Justin | Town of Williamstown DPW |
| Kirk | Town of Cheshire |
| Lucan | Town of Cheshire |
| Mark | Town of Williamstown DPW |
| Matt | Town of Williamstown DPW |
| Michael | Town of Williamstown DPW |
| Michael | Town of Williamstown DPW |
| Mike | Town of Cheshire |
| Nemesio | Town of Needham DPW |
| Robert | Town of Williamstown Water Dept. |
| Scott | City of Northampton |
| Scott | Town of Charlemont |
| Scott | City of Northampton |
| Tom | Town of Cheshire |
| William | Town of Charlemont |
Instructors
- Michael Smith
Technical Training Specialist at UMass Transportation Center (UMTC)