When are trenches and excavations considered unsafe?

Trenches and excavations are considered unsafe until proper shoring is used and backfilled due to the inherent risks associated with soil collapse. Without adequate support, the walls of an excavation can become unstable, especially when dealing with heavy equipment or soil conditions that may be loose or saturated. Shoring provides the necessary support to prevent cave-ins and protect workers in and around the excavation site.

The requirement for shoring is based on safety regulations that emphasize the importance of worker safety in potentially hazardous environments. This is particularly crucial in deeper trenches, where the risk of a collapse is significantly heightened. Regular inspections, while important, do not eliminate the risk if proper shoring practices are not in place. Thus, trenches and excavations remain unsafe until those protections are implemented and the area is backfilled appropriately.