What is a trench under OSHA?
A trench is a narrow excavation made below the surface of the ground, in general deeper than it is wide and no more than 15 feet (4.6 m) wide at the bottom. An excavation that forms or other structures narrow to 15 feet or less is also a trench.
By Cairn. Updated . Sources: eCFR text as of October 27, 2026.
The legal definition
“Trench (Trench excavation) means a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth is greater than the width, but the width of a trench (measured at the bottom) is not greater than 15 feet (4.6 m). If forms or other structures are installed or constructed in an excavation so as to reduce the dimension measured from the forms or structure to the side of the excavation to 15 feet (4.6 m) or less (measured at the bottom of the excavation), the excavation is also considered to be a trench.”
Where it applies
- 29 CFR 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements One paragraph uses the term. Read the text on eCFR.
- 29 CFR 1926.652, Requirements for protective systems 5 paragraphs use the term. Read the text on eCFR.
- 29 CFR 1926.650, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart 8 paragraphs use the term.
In the enforcement record
Federal and state-plan agencies issued 12,554 cited violations under 29 CFR 1926.651, Specific excavation requirements, from January 2016 through September 10, 2026. The section ranks 21st among the 248 sections of 29 CFR cited at least 50 times. This is the count for the whole section, not for the term alone.
Cairn data, October 2026 snapshot.
See the full record for 29 CFR 1926.651Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.650, Scope, application, and definitions applicable to this subpart. eCFR, text as of October 27, 2026.
- Cairn data, October 2026 snapshot. Cairn analysis of the OSHA enforcement record.
Written by Cairn, updated . The quoted text is copied from the sources above. A test compares each quotation with a stored copy of the source, and a separate script compares that copy with the live sources. This page explains the law and is not legal advice.