How deep must a trench be to require a protective system?

A trench must be at least 5 feet deep to require a protective system, such as trench boxes or shoring, in order to protect workers from cave-ins. This requirement is based on OSHA standards, which recognize that deeper trenches inherently present greater risks of collapse due to the forces of soil pressure acting on the trench walls. At depths of 5 feet and greater, the likelihood of a hazardous situation increases significantly, making it essential to implement protective measures to ensure worker safety.

In trenches less than 5 feet deep, while they can still pose serious hazards, the risks are considered to be lower, and therefore specific protective systems are not mandated by OSHA. It is important for workers to be aware of these specifications to adhere to safety standards and prevent potential accidents on construction sites.