According to OSHA, what is the requirement for trenches that are deeper than five feet?

The requirement for trenches that are deeper than five feet, according to OSHA regulations, is that they must be shored or sloped. This standard is in place to prevent cave-ins, which can be extremely dangerous and even fatal for workers in or near the trench. Shoring involves using supportive structures to stabilize the trench walls, while sloping refers to cutting back the trench walls at an angle that reduces the risk of collapse. This safety measure is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment, as deeper trenches are more prone to collapse due to the weight of the soil above.

The other options do not align with OSHA's regulations. For instance, immediate backfilling is not always feasible or necessary; trenches must sometimes remain open for extended periods for various reasons, including utility work. Covering trenches at all times would hinder the necessary work operations and would not allow for safe access. Leaving trenches open for inspection without safety measures would put workers at risk, which goes against the fundamental goal of OSHA’s trench safety standards—protecting workers from cave-ins.