National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) Competent Person Training Program / Keith Johnson, Instructor

OSHA requires a competent person to oversee all excavation and trenching job sites. NUCA has developed a training program to help contractors educate competent persons. Although the responsibility for assigning a competent person is the sole responsibility of the contractor, this program is designed to simplify the task by providing participants with the information and training need to become a competent person.

The content of the program includes the scope and application of Subpart P – excavation standard, definitions, general requirements, requirements for protective systems, soil classification, and handling an OSHA inspection. The program is about eight hours in length, and can be taught at the customer’s site. Participants receive a student manual and are expected to pass an open book test with a grade of 80%. Those who successfully complete the program with a passing grade receive a wallet size "Certificate of Completion" card, a large certificate (suitable for framing), a hard hat decal, and 8 hours of continuing education.

Keith Johnson is one of roughly 50 NUCA instructors in the United States. Keith has also received training from NUCA in Trench and Confined Space Rescue, and from OSHA as an instructor of occupational safety and health in the construction industry, and trenching, excavation and soil mechanics from the OSHA Training institute: Rocky Mountain Education Center. Keith serves Louisiana, Mississippi, and East Texas clients. Clients have ranged from small contractors to some of the largest petrochemical facilities in the region. The class is also given annually at the Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport branches of the National Safety Council.
Call for pricing and class scheduling 1-800-235-8342 or e-mail Keith Johnson Go to OSHA technical information on trench safety.