A trench must have an adequate protection system if its depth is a minimum of how many feet?

A trench must have an adequate protection system if its depth is a minimum of 5 feet. This guideline is established to ensure worker safety when they are working in trenches, as deeper excavations pose a greater risk of cave-ins and other hazards.

Trenches that are deeper than this threshold are subject to specific safety requirements under OSHA regulations, which mandate that proper excavation protection methods, such as shoring, shielding, or sloping, be implemented. This is critical in preventing accidents or injuries that could result from ground subsidence. By setting the depth at 5 feet, the regulations effectively help minimize risk and protect the health and safety of workers on site.