Competent Person Training

 The OSHA Construction Standard (29 CFR 1926.32) defines a “competent person” as someone 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.

Participants will be taught the basics of OSHA’s excavation standards (29 CFR 1926—Subpart P), learn about soil testing, use soil information to determine the correct protective system needed, and learn to identify the hazards associated with trenching and excavation. Digging around natural gas and high voltage power lines is a very critical process and needs to be done with extreme care. Students will also learn the proper techniques when digging around these obstacles.

The Competent Person and Excavation Safety Workshop is held at the MMUA Training Center in Marshall. To learn more about the program and the topics covered, click on the event brochure.

Date: 

2026 date TBA

Location: 

MMUA Training Center
1004 Michigan Rd
Marshall, MN 56258

This course is intended for public works personnel, water/wastewater personnel, lineworkers, engineering personnel, contract workers, and anyone involved with underground utility or infrastructure work.

This workshop includes classroom and hands-on instruction/demonstration to ensure participants can obtain the designation of a Competent Person at the end of this workshop. Course topics include:

• Display knowledge of 29 CFR 1926—Subpart P: Excavations
• Demonstrate correct soil-testing procedures
• Identify hazards associated with trenching and excavations
• Understand and utilize the different types of protective systems
• Understand proper “pot holing practices”
• Gas and powerline excavation