Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Do NOT enter an unprotected trench!

Each employee in a trench shall be protected from a cave-in by an adequate protective system.

Some of the protective systems for trenches are:

Sloped for stability; or
Cut to create stepped benched grades; or
Supported by a system made with posts, beams, shores or planking and hydraulic jacks; or
Supported by a trench box to protect workers in a trench.
Additionally, excavated or other materials must be at least 2 feet back from the edge of a trench; and
A safe means of egress shall be provided within 25 feet of workers in a trench.