OSHA Suspends Excavation Standards for Homebuilders

Kegler Brown Construction Newsletter

OSHA has apparently suspended application of its excavation standard (29 CFR 1926.652) to house foundation and basement excavations. According to an OSHA memorandum to regional administrators, the suspension applies to all house foundation and basement excavations, including those that may be considered "trenches" when formwork, foundations or wells are constructed. Apparently, this suspension does not apply to utility excavations or trenches. Hopefully, this issue will be clarified through a regulation change so that contractors can know exactly where they stand.