Washington Competent Person Evaluation — Excavation & Trenching is a safety program designed to identify potential hazards associated with excavation and trenching operations. It is a workplace safety program developed by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). The program requires that a competent person evaluate excavation and trenching operations to ensure safe working conditions. The Washington Competent Person Evaluation — Excavation & Trenching program includes the following types of evaluations: • Pre-Work Evaluation: This evaluation is conducted prior to the start of the excavation or trenching work. The competent person must inspect the proposed excavation and trenching area for potential hazards related to soil type, existing utilities, and underground structures. Ongoingng Evaluation: This evaluation is conducted during the excavation and trenching work. The competent person must inspect the excavation or trenching area for changes in soil type, existing utilities, or underground structures. • Post-Work Evaluation: This evaluation is conducted after the completion of the excavation or trenching work. The competent person must inspect the excavation or trenching area for compliance with safety regulations and to ensure the work was done safely. The Washington Competent Person Evaluation — Excavation & Trenching program is designed to ensure that excavation and trenching operations are conducted safely and in compliance with state safety regulations.