Trenching Rescue & Excavation Plan Rulemaking

L&I is considering amendments to the excavation, trenching, and shoring rules in Chapter 296-155 WAC.

See all the rulemaking activity for Trenching Rescue & Excavation on our L&I Rulemaking page.

Status

Rulemaking officially began with a Preproposal (CR-101) filed on June 22, 2021. This work was paused in 2023 in order to complete legislatively mandated rulemakings. As of March 2025, the draft rule is under review and being prepared for the Proposed Rulemaking (CR-102) phase.

Learn more about our rulemaking process and terminology.

Background

Inspection data over the past several years show that excavation and trenching is uniquely hazardous work, and the failure to adequately plan for potential problems can result in catastrophic consequences. Between 2016 and 2020, there were multiple fatalities related to excavation and trenching work in Washington, in addition to numerous reported injuries.

DOSH believes that these fatalities and injuries are preventable, and that by amending existing rule language to ensure that employers regularly assess the condition of their worksite, formally document hazards and rescue procedures, and communicate with workers on site before work ever begins, there can be a substantial reduction in the likelihood of similar, preventable tragedies from occurring in the future.

Meetings & Timeline
Rulemaking Timeline
Activity Date
Filed CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry​​ June 22, 2021

Upcoming Meetings

L&I invites parties interested in the Trenching & Excavation rulemaking to attend the in-person or virtual stakeholder meetings. During the meeting, L&I will provide an overview of the rulemaking and share the updated draft language and draft work plan, followed by an open forum for questions and comments. L&I welcomes and encourages stakeholder participation and feedback.

Meeting Materials

Previous Stakeholder Meetings

Rule Drafts & Documents

Staff Contacts

For rulemaking questions, please contact:
Carmyn.Shute@Lni.wa.gov or 360-870-4525.

For technical questions please contact:
Steven.Heist@Lni.wa.gov or 253-878-0928.

Get updates via email

If you would like to receive email updates regarding this proposed rulemaking project and future stakeholder meetings, please sign up for our email updates.