Massachusetts Hoisting License Practice Test

What is an effective method for protecting workers in a trench?

1. Using a ladder

2. Providing personal protective equipment

3. Shoring and sloping

4. Implementing a safety watch

The correct answer is: Shoring and sloping

The most effective method for protecting workers in a trench is through shoring and sloping. This technique involves reinforcing the trench walls to prevent soil collapse and providing safe access for workers. Shoring adds stability by using supports or walls to counteract the lateral forces of the soil, while sloping the sides of the trench reduces the angle of the walls, minimizing the risk of a cave-in. This method is crucial in trench safety because it directly addresses the primary hazard associated with trench work: soil collapse can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. By ensuring that the trench is properly supported or sloped, workers can carry out their tasks with a reduced risk of being trapped or injured due to sudden soil shifts. Other options, while important for overall safety, do not specifically mitigate the risk of trench collapses as effectively as shoring and sloping do.