At what depth does a trench require shoring?

Shoring is required for trenches to protect workers from cave-ins, which can be extremely dangerous. According to safety regulations, trenches that are 4 feet deep or more must be adequately shored or sloped to ensure worker safety. This depth is significant because the risk of a collapse increases substantially beyond this point, as soil can shift and fall into the trench more easily.

While trenches less than 4 feet deep may not require shoring, it is crucial to assess the specific soil conditions and other environmental factors, as they may still pose risks even at shallower depths. Therefore, recognizing that the threshold for mandatory shoring is set at 4 feet reflects a standard approach to ensuring safety in excavation work.