What is the minimum depth at which a trench must be protected from cave-in?

When considering the safety regulations for trenching and excavation, the minimum depth at which a trench must be protected from cave-in hazards is essential for ensuring worker safety. The correct answer reflects the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, which mandate that trenches deeper than a certain threshold must be properly shored or sloped to prevent collapse.

In this scenario, the minimum depth is set at 5 feet. At this depth, the risk of a cave-in becomes significant enough that protective measures are required to safeguard workers who may be at risk of injury from falling soil. It's important to understand that while trenches shallower than this may not require specific protective measures according to OSHA standards, conditions such as soil type and previous weather can still affect stability and safety.

Regulatory requirements ensure comprehensive safety practices are applied, preventing incidents that may occur due to trench collapses. Therefore, maintaining proper safety protocols at the specified depth is crucial for any excavation work to protect employees on-site.