The first part of this workshop will provide an overview of MIOSHA Part 9, Excavations, Trenching, and Shoring. This program will include a description of the hazards in and around an excavation, a discussion on the duties and role of the qualified person, a discussion on soil classification and testing, and an overview of the protective systems used to support and protect employees in an excavation. The second part will provide an overview of the construction rules related to confined space and permit-required confined spaces. Examples of actual spaces will be used to clarify the definition and facilitate proper identification of confined spaces versus permit-required confined spaces. Means of entering a permit-required confined space are described and discussed.