SafetyQuestion 509 of 700
Under Cal/OSHA Construction Safety Orders, when a trench reaches a depth that requires protection, which is the BEST way to protect workers who must enter it?
a.Tell workers to move quickly and stay near the ladder
b.Use an approved protective system such as sloping, shoring, or a trench shield designed for the soil conditions
c.Post a warning sign at the trench edge only
d.Keep the spoil pile right at the trench lip for quick backfill
Explanation
Cal/OSHA requires an approved protective system, sloping/benching, shoring, or a trench (shield) box, engineered for the soil type, once a trench reaches the regulated depth (generally 5 feet, or shallower if the ground is unstable). Option b reflects this. Speed and signs (a, c) do not prevent cave-ins, and keeping the spoil pile at the lip (d) adds surcharge load and increases collapse risk; spoil must be set back.
Law Reference: Cal/OSHA Title 8, Construction Safety OrdersPractice all 700 questions free — no signup required.
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