Trenching Awareness | Safe Work Training

The Trenching Awareness course gives you the knowledge to recognise and manage hazards associated with trenching and excavation work in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017.

Legal framework and duty holder responsibilities
Types of trenches and excavation hazards
Soil conditions and stability awareness
Protective systems including shoring, shielding, and battering
Safe access and egress requirements
Working near underground services
Plant interaction and exclusion zones
Emergency procedures and incident reporting

No required items listed for this course.

No prerequisites listed for this course.

You receive a Certificate of Completion from Safe Work Training (RTO 21604). This supports compliance with section 21(2)(e) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, which requires employers to provide information, instruction, and training to employees. Refresher training is recommended every 3 years.

Is this a nationally accredited course?

No. This is a Non-Accredited Trenching Awareness Training course. It provides foundational knowledge to support safe work practices but does not result in a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment or a formal 'ticket' for specific trenching roles.

Does this course qualify me to design or install trench supports?

No. This awareness course is designed to help you identify hazards and understand the control measures. The design of complex trench protective structures or the role of a Competent Person for daily trench inspections typically requires specialized engineering input or more in-depth training.

What certification will I receive?

You will receive a Certificate of Completion/Attendance detailing the topics covered, which serves as your record for OHS compliance and professional development.

How does this training assist with legal compliance in Victoria?

It directly assists in meeting the employer's duty under the Victorian OHS Act 2004 and the OHS Regulations 2017 (Part 5.5 – Excavation Work) to provide workers with adequate information and instruction on the safe performance of excavation work, particularly regarding the risk of collapse.

What is the main difference between Awareness and Accredited training?

Awareness focuses on recognizing risks (e.g., spoil pile placement, utility strikes, soil types) and the legal requirement for controls (shoring, shielding). Formal accredited training often involves more in-depth, hands-on use of complex shoring or trench protection systems.

What are the key hazards covered in the training?

The course focuses on the most critical risks: trench collapse/cave-ins (understanding soil types and stability), underground utility strikes (locating services), falls into the trench, and hazardous atmospheres (especially in deeper trenches).

Does the course cover the use of trench access equipment?

Yes. You will learn the requirements for safe entry and exit from trenches, including the proper placement and use of ladders, ramps, and other access equipment, ensuring compliance with the rule for accessible means of egress.

How long is the training session?

The Trenching Awareness course typically runs for 3 hours for a focused and comprehensive session.

Do we need to supply any equipment or trench examples?

No. We supply all necessary demonstration materials, models, and reference guides. If delivered on-site, we strongly encourage the use of an active or planned trenching site for a highly relevant, real-world hazard review.

Is there an assessment component?

There is usually a short, scenario-based or written review to confirm understanding of key safety principles, such as the safe distances for spoil piles and the legislative depth requirement for installing protective measures.

Who specifically should attend this course?

This course is highly recommended for all workers who will be working in the vicinity of an open trench, those performing initial excavation tasks, and Supervisors who must oversee the implementation of the Trenching Permit and safety controls.