What is the minimum depth of excavations where workers must be protected?

The minimum depth of excavations where workers must be protected is 5 feet. In construction and excavation safety, regulations specify that when a trench is deeper than this depth, there is a significant risk of cave-ins or collapses, which can be extremely hazardous for workers. To maintain safety, protective measures such as shoring, trench boxes, or other forms of protective systems must be implemented to ensure that workers are not exposed to the risks associated with such depths.

This requirement is guided by standards set by regulatory bodies, such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States, which aim to minimize risks and protect workers’ safety in excavation sites. Thus, recognizing this depth as a critical threshold helps ensure compliance with safety regulations and promotes a safe working environment.