Walkways & Crossings Over Trenches

People and equipment need to cross open trenches, and crossing the wrong way is a common cause of falls, broken legs and cave-ins. A proper walkway or bridge keeps a crossing from becoming an injury, and it protects the trench wall too.

• Construction
• Excavation
• Utilities

What OSHA requires

• When employees or equipment are required or permitted to cross over an excavation, walkways or bridges must be provided (29 CFR 1926.651).
• Walkways that are 6 feet or more above the lower level need guardrails that meet the fall protection rules (1926.502).
• Employees at the edge of an excavation 6 feet or more deep must be protected from falling by guardrails, fences, barricades or covers (1926.501(b)(7)). See Barriers & Fall Protection at Excavation Edges.
• OSHA has treated crossing a trench that is only 30 inches wide or less without a walkway as a minor condition in some situations, but don’t count on that. A walkway is always safer, and your employer or state plan may require more.

Types of crossings

• Pedestrian bridges and walkways: a plank or aluminum walkway at least 20 inches wide in most cases (follow your employer’s plan), with handrails on both sides when the drop is 6 feet or more. Use a walkway designed for the span.
• Steel trench plates: rated for the load, wide enough to cover the opening with solid bearing on each side, and secured so they can’t slide. Often used for traffic.
• Vehicle bridges: must be designed for the heaviest load that will cross. Get an engineer’s help for heavy equipment or long spans.
• Ramps and steps: to get on and off the crossing safely, without a big step.

Building a safe crossing

1. Choose the spot. Cross where the ground is solid, away from loose spoil, and where the trench is protected by a trench box or shoring. See Trench Boxes.
2. Bear on solid ground. Both ends of the walkway should sit well back from the trench edge, on firm soil. A heavy load near the edge adds weight that can cause a collapse. See Surcharge Loads.
3. Check the rating. Use materials rated for the load. Don’t use scrap wood, doors or damaged planks.
4. Secure it. Fasten or pin the crossing so it can’t shift, kick out or slide.
5. Add guardrails when the walkway is 6 feet or more above the bottom, with a top rail, mid rail and toeboards where something could fall onto people below. See Guardrails.
6. Light and mark it. Make it visible with lights, barriers, signs and bright paint or tape, especially at night.
7. Keep it clear of mud, ice, snow, tools and debris. See Frozen Ground & Winter Excavation.

Rules for using crossings

• Use the walkway every time, even if it’s longer than jumping across.
• Cross one at a time on a narrow bridge, unless it’s designed for more.
• Face forward, keep your hands free and use the handrail.
• Stay off if the walkway is slick, overloaded or damaged, and report it.
• Have the competent person inspect crossings daily, and after rain or snow. See Competent Person Inspections.

• Don’t jump or step across a trench. Edges crumble, and one step can start a cave-in.
• Don’t drive or walk across a trench with no bridge.
• Don’t carry loads that block your view or throw you off balance.
• Don’t park equipment on the crossing or next to the edge.

Near traffic and equipment

Keep pedestrian crossings separate from vehicle routes where you can. Use barricades, spotters and signs. See Work Zones and Backing & Spotters.

Crossing checklist

• Walkway or bridge provided wherever people or vehicles must cross
• Rated for the load, bearing on solid ground well back from the edge
• Secured against movement, with guardrails at 6 feet or more
• Lit, marked and kept clear of mud, ice and debris
• Inspected by the competent person each day

Last updated: October 4, 2026