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Excavation and trenching - State comparison
State
Adherence to Federal Regulations
State Statutes and Regulations
Marking of Underground Utilities
State Specific Requirements
Alabama is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: Code of Ala. §§ 37-15-1 — 37-15-11
Regulations: None
Code of Ala. §§ 37-15-1 — 37-15-11 (Notification of Excavation or Demolition Operations)
Additional requirements for notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities. View state.
Alaska operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers.
Statutes: AK Stat. §§ 42.30.400 — 42.30.490
Regulations: None
AK Stat. §§ 42.30.400 — 42.30.490 (Locating Underground Facilities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities; and
- Contact or damage to an underground utility.
Arizona operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers.
Statutes: A.R.S. §§ 40-360.21 — 40-360.32
Regulations: A.A.C. § R14-2-106 (Commission color codes)
A.R.S. §§ 40-360.21 — 40-360.32 (Excavations; Underground Facilities)
Additional requirements for notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities. View state.
Arkansas is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: A.C.A. §§ 14-271-101 — 14-271-115
Regulations: A.C.A. § 22-9-212
A.C.A. §§ 14-271-101 — 14-271-115 (Underground Facilities Damage Prevention)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities; and
- Public improvements and trench and excavation safety systems.
California operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers.
Statutes: Cal Gov Code §§ 4216 — 4216.24
Regulations: 8 CCR 341(d)(5)(A) and (e); 8 CCR, Article 6 1539, 1540, 1541, and 1541.1; 19 CCR 4100
Cal Gov Code §§ 4216 — 4216.24 (Regional Notification Center System)
California’s excavation requirements generally follow the federal OSHA regulations with the additions and differences in the areas of subsurface installations (utilities), hazardous atmospheres, fall protection, trench shield systems, and permitting. View state.
Colorado is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: C.R.S. §§ 9-1.5-101 — 9-1.5-108
Regulations: None
C.R.S. §§ 9-1.5-101 — 9-1.5-108 (Excavation Requirements)
Additional requirements for notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities. View state.
Connecticut operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering only state and local government workers. Federal workers and private sector employers, and their workers are covered by federal OSHA.
Connecticut has adopted all federal OSHA standards for general industry and construction and incorporates the federal standards by reference.
Statutes: Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 16-345 – 16-359
Regulations: Regs., Conn. State Agencies §§ 13b-17-30 – 13b-17-40
Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 16-345 – 16-359 (Excavation, Demolition or Discharge of Explosives)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities; and
- Highways.
Delaware is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: 26 Del. C. §§ 801 – 813
Regulations: CDR 7-1000-1106, section 3.0
26 Del. C. §§ 801 – 813 (Underground Utility Damage Prevention and Safety Act)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities; and
- Particulate emissions from construction (including excavation).
The District of Columbia is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: D.C. Code §§ 34-2701 – 34-2711; D.C. Code § 6-504; D.C. Code §§ 6-801, 6-803
Regulations: CDCR 20-5706.4
D.C. Code §§ 34-2701 – 34-2711 (Underground Facilities Protection)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Damage caused by excavation or demolition;
- Mudslide hazards – review of permit applications;
- Unsafe excavations (including failure of owner to make safe); and
- Installation of new UST systems.
Florida is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: Fla. Stat. §§ 556.101 – 556.117; Fla. Stat. §§ 553.61, 553.62, 553.63, and 553.64
Regulations: None
Fla. Stat. §§ 556.101 – 556.117 (Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities; and
- Trench safety.
Georgia is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: O.C.G.A. § 25-9-1 -- 25-9-14
Regulations: None
O.C.G.A. § 25-9-1 -- 25-9-14 (Blasting or Excavating Near Utility Facilities)
Additional requirements for notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities. View state.
Hawaii operates an OSHA-approved State Plan (HIOSH) covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. HIOSH does not apply to federal government employers. While HIOSH has adopted most federal OSHA standards, significant differences exist, and some standards do not have any federal counterparts.
Statutes: HRS §§ 264-8, 264-9; HRS §§ 269E-2 – 269E-12
Regulations: HAR § 19-127.1-17
HRS §§ 269E-2 – 269E-12 (One Call Center; Advance Warning to Excavators)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of subsurface installations;
- Design, construction, and maintenance of public streets and highways;
- Excavation and backfilling on state highways; and
- Special provisions for developing highway project specifications.
Idaho is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: Idaho Code §§ 55-2201 – 55-2212
Regulations: None
Idaho Code §§ 55-2201 – 55-2212 (Underground Facility Damage Prevention Act)
Additional requirements for notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities. View state.
Illinois operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering state and local government workers. Private sector employers and their workers are covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: 220 ILCS 50/1 – 50/14; 430 ILCS 165/1; 765 ILCS 140/1; 605 ILCS 5/9-115; 415 ILCS 5/22.51a
Regulations: None
220 ILCS 50/1 – 50/14 (Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage and Prevention Act)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of subsurface installations;
- Excavation fencing required;
- Adjacent landowner excavation protection;
- Excavation or removal of lateral highway support and deposit of spoil; and
- Uncontaminated soil fill operations.
Indiana operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) is part of the Indiana Department of Labor. Federal OSHA covers the issues not covered by the Indiana Plan. IOSHA adopts all OSHA standards and regulations except it has some unique excavation standards.
Statutes: Burns Ind. Code Ann. §§ 8-1-26-1 – 8-1-26-26; 8-1-26-20, and 8-1-26-21
Regulations: 675 IAC 14-4.4-125 Section M2201
Burns Ind. Code Ann. §§ 8-1-26-1 – 8-1-26-26 (Damage to Underground Facilities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of subsurface installations;
- Actions to avoid damage;
- Actions after damage occurs; and
- Underground tanks.
Iowa operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. Iowa OSHA is part of the Iowa Division of Labor Services in the Department of Workforce Development. Iowa OSHA has adopted federal OSHA's standards.
Statutes: Iowa Code §§ 480.1 – 480.11
Regulations: 567 IAC 69.8 (Septic tanks); 567-69.10 (Mound systems); 567-69.11 (At-grade systems)
Iowa Code §§ 480.1 – 480.11 (Underground Facilities Information)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Septic tanks;
- Mound septic systems; and
- At-grade sewage systems.
Kansas is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: K.S.A. §§ 66-1801 – 66-1816
Regulations: None
K.S.A. §§ 66-1801 – 66-1816 (Kansas Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act)
Additional requirements for notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities. View state.
Kentucky operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health (Kentucky OSH) is part of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet's Department of Workplace Standards.
NOTE: As of June 2025, per House Bill 398, Kentucky OSH will no longer enforce standards that are stricter than federal OSHA.
Statutes: KRS §§ 367.4901 – 4917
Regulations: None
KRS §§ 367.4901 – 4917 (Underground Facility Damage Prevention)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities; and
- Hand-digging or nonintrusive methods within the tolerance zone.
Louisiana is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: La. R.S. 40:1749.11 to 40:1749.27
Regulations: LAC 51:XIV.307; LAC 70:II.515A.3.; LAC 70:II.515B.2.; LAC 70:II.515B.7.; LAC 70:II.1703; LAC 70:II.1705A.; LAC 70:II.1707
La. R.S. 40:1749.11 to 40:1749.27 (Underground Utilities and Facilities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Plumbing excavation, trenching, and backfill requirements;
- Standards for installation of utilities on highways; and
- Installation of fiber-optic cable.
Maine operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering only state and local government workers. The state plan generally follows but is not necessarily identical to federal OSHA standards. Private sector employers and their workers are covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: 23 M.R.S. 3360-A; 23 M.R.S. § 3355
Regulations: CMR 65-407-895
23 M.R.S. 3360-A (Protection of Underground Facilities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities; and
- Public highways in municipalities.
Maryland operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) State Plan is part of the Maryland Division of Labor and Industry.
MOSH has adopted all federal OSHA standards that would relate to public and private sector employer operations, which are incorporated by reference. In addition, MOSH has adopted unique standards for excavation and requirements for protective systems.
Statutes: Md. Public Utilities Code Ann. §§ 12-101 – 12-135
Regulations: COMAR 26.10.03.04; COMAR 26.10.03.06
Md. Public Utilities Code Ann. §§ 12-101 – 12-135 (Excavation or Demolition Near Underground Facilities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Marking requirements;
- UST system installation standards; and
- Piping installation.
Massachusetts operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering only state and local government workers. Private sector employers and their workers are covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: ALM GL ch. 82, §§ 40 – 40E; ALM GL ch. 82A, §§ 1 – 5; ALM GL ch. 164, § 76D; ALM GL ch. 84, § 27A
Regulations: 220 CMR 111.04; 220 CMR 113.06; 220 CMR 113.07; 220 CMR 126.32; 520 CMR 6.09(5); 520 CMR 14.04
ALM GL ch. 82, §§ 40 – 40E (Notice of Excavations to Public Utility Companies)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Open trenches and excavations;
- Permits;
- Landowner barriers around excavations;
- Installations of gas pipes under a road;
- Replacement of cast-iron pipe (gas distribution);
- Installation of underground conduit systems;
- Excavating machines, including backhoes and front-end loaders; and
- Protection of the general public.
Michigan operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers.
MIOSHA’s excavation rules govern the digging of excavations and trenches which an employee is required to enter, and the supporting systems used in construction operations.
MIOSHA incorporates the federal OSHA standards governing excavations by reference, and these federal rules have the same force and effect as any rule promulgated by the state of Michigan.
Statutes: Mich. Admin. Code R 408.40901 – R 408.40953; APPENDIX
Regulations: None
Mich. Admin. Code R 408.40901 – R 408.40953 (Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Public utility lines;
- Soil types;
- Forms, walls, and similar structures;
- Egress methods;
- Angle of repose (slope);
- Supporting systems;
- Trench support systems;
- Benching and sloping;
- Trench boxes and shields;
- Walkways, runways, ramps, or bridges; and
- Adjacent structures.
Minnesota operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) is administered by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
Statutes: Minn. Stat. §§ 216D.01 – 216D.09; § 463.25
Regulations: None
Minn. Stat. §§ 216D.01 – 216D.09 (Excavation Notice System)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities; and
- Hazardous excavations.
Mississippi is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: Miss. Code Ann. §§ 77-13-1 to 77-13-37
Regulations: CMSR 39-000-101
Miss. Code Ann. §§ 77-13-1 to 77-13-37 (Regulation of Excavations Near Underground Utility Facilities)
Additional requirements for notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities. View state.
Missouri is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: §§ 319.015 -- 319.050 R.S. Mo
Regulations: None
§§ 319.015 -- 319.050 R.S. Mo (Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention)
Additional requirements for notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities. View state.
Montana is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: 69-4-501 – 69-4-530, MCA; 70-16-203, MCA
Regulations: None
69-4-501 – 69-4-530, MCA (Excavations Near Underground Facilities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities; and
- Adjoining owner’s right to lateral and subjacent support.
Nebraska operates under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: R.S. Neb. §§ 76-2301 to 2334
Regulations: None
R.S. Neb. §§ 76-2301 to 2334 (One-Call Notification System Act)
Additional requirements for notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities. View state.
Nevada operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. Nevada has adopted specific standards for excavation or demolition near subsurface installations.
Statutes: Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 455.010, 455.080 – 455.180
Regulations: None
Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 455.080 – 455.180 (Excavation or Demolition Near Subsurface Installation)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities; and
- Erection of fence or other safeguard around excavation.
New Hampshire is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: RSA 15-E:4-a; RSA 374:48 – 374.56
Regulations: N.H. Admin. Rules, Lab 1403.19
RSA 374:48 – 374.56 (Underground Facility Damage Prevention System)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Minimum and express operational standards; and
- Employer excavation and trenching rules.
New Jersey operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering only state and local government workers. Private sector employers and their workers are covered by federal OSHA.
The New Jersey Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) State Plan is part of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDLWD).
Statutes: N.J. Stat. § 46:10-1; N.J. Stat. §§ 48:2-73 – 42:2-91
Regulations: N.J.A.C. 14:2-1.1 – 14:2-6.10
N.J. Stat. §§ 48:2-73 – 42:2-91 (Underground Facility Protection Act)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground installations; and
- Support of party walls adjacent to excavation.
New Mexico operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. The New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OSHB) is a part of the New Mexico Environment Department.
OSHB has adopted all federal OSHA standards, incorporated by reference, which relate to state and local government and private sector employer operations. Therefore, the state and federal standards are identical.
Statutes: N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 62-14-1 – 62-14-10; §§ 63-11-3 – 63-11-8; 18.60.5.1 NMAC – 18.60.5.22 NMAC
N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 62-14-1 – 62-14-10 (Excavation Damage to Pipelines and Underground Utility Lines)
Excavation is a regulated activity in New Mexico. The Public Regulation Commission, Pipeline Safety Bureau (PSB) has statutory authority to administer New Mexico’s Excavation Law, including the assessment of fines for violations.
New York operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering only state and local government workers. Private sector employers and their workers are covered by federal OSHA.
The New York Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Bureau is part of the New York Department of Labor. New York PESH has generally adopted all OSHA standards applicable to state and local government employment.
Statutes: NY CLS Gen Bus §§ 760 – 767
Regulations: 12 NYCRR §§ 23-4.1 – 4.5, and 23-9.5; 17 NYCRR § 131.19
NY CLS Gen Bus §§ 760 – 767 (Protection of Underground Facilities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground installations;
- Excavation operations;
- Trench and area type excavations;
- Access to excavations;
- Sheeting, shoring, and bracing;
- Excavating machines; and
- Underground utility work within state highway right-of-way.
North Carolina operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. The North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health (NC OSH) Division is part of the North Carolina Department of Labor.
Statutes: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 87-115 -- 87-130
Regulations: None
N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 87-115 -- 87-130 (Underground Utility Safety and Damage Prevention Act)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Notification requirements when damage is done; and
- Discharge of electricity or escape of toxins.
North Dakota is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: N.D. Cent. Code §§ 49-23-01 through 49-23-07, § 47-01-18, and § 23-13-06
Regulations:
N.D. Cent. Code §§ 49-23-01 through 49-23-07 (One-Call Excavation Notice System)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Lateral and adjacent support; and
- Landowners to fill abandoned wells, shafts, and other excavations.
Ohio is under federal OSHA jurisdiction, which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: ORC Ann. 153.64, 3781.25 – 3781.36, and 4913.01 – 4913.52
Regulations: OAC Ann. 4123:1-5-26
ORC Ann. 3781.25 – 3781.36 (Protection Service for Underground Utility Facilities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Trenches; and
- Excavations.
Oklahoma is under federal OSHA jurisdiction, which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: 63 Okl. St. §§ 142.1 to 142.13
63 Okl. St. §§ 142.1 to 142.13 (Oklahoma Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act)
Additional requirements for notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities. View state.
Oregon operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. Oregon OSHA has adopted by reference many federal OSHA standards that relate to state and local government and private sector workplace operations.
Oregon OSHA has unique excavation standards.
Statutes: ORS 757.542, 757.547, 757.552, 757.557, and 757.562
Regulations: OAR 437-004-3100, 437-003-0096, 952-001-0001 to 952-001-0100
ORS 757.542, 757.547, 757.552, 757.557, and 757.562 (Oregon Utility Notification Center0
Additional requirements include:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Key excavation rules; and
- Excavator duties.
Pennsylvania is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
73 P.S. §§ 177 through 186; 67 Pa. Code § 459.8
73 P.S. §§ 177 through 186 (Excavation and Demolition; Duties of One-Call System)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities; and
- Subsurface operations on highways by utilities.
Rhode Island is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 39-1.2-1 through 39-1.2-14; § 45-46-5; § 24-8-45
Regulations: None
R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 39-1.2-1 through 39-1.2-14 (Excavation near Underground Utility Facilities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utility facilities;
- Soil erosion and sediment control ordinances; and
- Using steel plates to cover roadway excavations.
South Carolina operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. South Carolina OSHA (SC OSHA) is part of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.
SC OSHA has identically adopted federal OSHA standards and regulations but has adopted the following unique standards with regards to excavations.
Statutes: S.C. Code Ann. §§ 57-7-60, 58-36-10 -- 58-36-120
S.C. Code Ann. §§ 58-36-10 – 58-36-120 (Underground Facility Damage Prevention Act)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground facilities;
- Environmental protection and land reclamation;
- Approval of reclamation plan and completed land reclamation; and
- Permits for excavating in highways not in the state highway system.
South Dakota is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: S.D. Codified Laws §§ 49-7A-1 – 49-7A-35; and § 43-16-2
Regulations: ARSD 20:25:01:01 – 20:25:04:01; ARSD 74:53:01:24; ARSD 74:53:01:35
S.D. Codified Laws §§ 49-7A-1 – 49-7A-35 (One-Call Notification System for Excavation Activities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities;
- Right to lateral and subjacent support;
- Excavation for septic tanks; and
- Absorption trenches for small on-site wastewater systems.
Tennessee operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. Tennessee OSHA (TOSHA) is part of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development which is headed by the Commissioner. Tennessee follows the federal OSHA laws governing excavations.
Statutes: Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 65-31-101 – 65-31-120
Regulations: Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 1230-01-03-.03
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 65-31-101 – 65-31-120 (Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities; and
- Exercise of reasonable care in excavation.
Texas is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: Tex. Utilities Code §§ 251.001 – 251.203; Tex. Health & Safety Code §§ 756.022 and 756.023; Tex. Gov’t Code § 2166.303
Tex. Utilities Code §§ 251.001 – 251.203 (Texas Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities; and
- Trench excavations.
Utah operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. Federal OSHA covers most issues not covered by the Utah State Plan. The Utah Occupational Safety and Health Division (UOSH) is part of the Utah Labor Commission.
Statutes: Utah Code Ann. §§ 54-8a-1 – 54-8a-13
Regulations: U.A.C. R930-7-11
Utah Code Ann. §§ 54-8a-1 – 54-8a-13 (Damage to Underground Utility Facilities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities;
- Utility construction; and
- Open trench utility installations.
Vermont operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. Federal OSHA covers the issues not covered by the Vermont State Plan. The Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) is a part of the Vermont Department of Labor.
Statutes: 30 V.S.A. §§ 7001 – 7008
30 V.S.A. §§ 7001 – 7008 (Underground Utility Damage Prevention System)
Additional requirements for notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities. View state.
Virginia operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering all private sector workers and all state and local government workers. The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program is part of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) which is headed by the Commissioner.
Statutes: Va. Code Ann. §§ 18.2-316, 56-265.14 – 56-265.32
Regulations: 20 VAC 5-309-10 – 309-215 (Rules for Enforcement of the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act); 12 VAC 5-610-815 F (Placement of septic tanks); 13 VAC 5-63-438, Sections 1201.6.7 (Adjacent to excavations) and 1202.1 (Protection of adjoining properties); 16 VAC 15-30-180 (Occupations in excavation operations)
Va. Code Ann. §§ 56-265.14 – 56-265.32 (Underground Utility Damage and Prevention Act)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities;
- Excavations adjacent to the street line;
- Protection of adjoining properties;
- Duty to fill well or pit before abandonment;
- Septic tank placement; and
- Prohibited operations in excavations.
The state of Washington operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers.
Washington’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has adopted most Federal OSHA standards that relate to state and local government and private sector workplace operations by reference.
However, there are unique state regulatory standards in the areas of excavation, trenching, and shoring. These unique standards include requirements that differ from the federal standards.
Statutes: WAC 296-155-650 (Scope, application, and definitions); WAC 296-155-655 (General protection requirements); WAC 296-155-657 (Requirements for protective systems); WAC 296-155-66401 (Appendix A - Soil classification); WAC 296-155-66403 (Appendix B - Sloping and benching); WAC 296-155-66405 (Appendix C - Timber shoring for trenches); WAC 296-155-66407 (Appendix D - Aluminum hydraulic shoring for trenches); WAC 296-155-66409 (Appendix E - Alternatives to timber shoring); WAC 296-155-66411 (Appendix F – Selection of protective systems)
Regulations: None
WAC 296-155-655 (2) (General protection requirements; underground installations)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities;
- General protection;
- Protective systems;
- Soil classification;
- Sloping and benching;
- Timber shoring for trenches;
- Aluminum hydraulic shoring for trenches;
- Alternatives to timber shoring; and
- Selection of protective systems.
West Virginia is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA.
Statutes: W. Va. Code §§ 17-16-2, 17-16-3, 24C-1-1 – 24C-1-11, 31G-3-1, 31G-3-2, and 37-5-1
Regulations: None
W. Va. Code §§ 24C-1-1 – 24C-1-11 (Underground Facilities Damage Prevention; One-Call System)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities;
- Duty to fill excavations;
- Repair of excavations charged against owner or occupant;
- Excavations near boundaries; and
- Microtrenching.
Wisconsin is under federal OSHA jurisdiction which covers most private sector workers within the state. State and local government workers are not covered by federal OSHA. Additional and different excavation rules exist in Wisconsin.
Statutes: Wis. Stat. §§ 66.0427, 101.111, and 182.0175
Regulations: Wis. Adm. Code SPS 321.12, SPS 321.125, SPS 321.13, SPS 321.14, and SPS 361.05
Wis. Stat. § 182.0175 (Damage to transmission facilities)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities;
- Open excavations in populous counties;
- Protection of adjoining property and buildings;
- Drainage for residential dwellings;
- Erosion and sediment control for 1- or 2-family residential dwellings;
- Excavations adjacent to an adjoining residential property;
- Excavation for footings and foundations; and
- Adoption of the International Building Code.
Wyoming operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering most private sector workers and all state and local government workers. The Wyoming Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Wyoming OSHA) is part of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.
The federal OSHA rules contained in 29 C.F.R. §§ 1926.650 – 1926.652 (2016), as in effect on June 19, 2018, are adopted by the Wyoming’s Department of Workforce Services.
In addition to federal OSHA rules, additional excavation requirements exist in Wyoming.
Statutes: Wyo. Stat. §§ 30-2-104; 30-3-110; 37-12-301 – 37-12-307
Regulations: WCWR 053-0008-16 Section 1. (d); WCWR 020-0002-3 Section 2 (f)(i)(A)
Wyo. Stat. §§ 37-12-301 – 37-12-307 (Underground Facilities Notification Act)
Additional requirements for:
- Notification of proposed excavation and the location and marking by operators of underground utilities;
- Open excavations;
- Visitation restrictions; and
- Emission of particulate matter (fugitive dust).