What is a potential hazard of inadequate trench safety measures?

Inadequate trench safety measures pose a significant risk of cave-ins and collapses. This hazard arises because unprotected trenches can lose their structural integrity under the weight of surrounding soil, equipment, or external forces. When workers are in a trench that fails, the consequences can be severe, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stipulates that proper safety measures must be in place to prevent these dangerous cave-ins, including shoring, sloping, or the use of trench boxes.

While network interruptions, increased costs, and unwanted delays can result from a variety of issues during construction, they do not directly stem from the physical dangers that come with trench work. Therefore, the most pressing concern in this context is the immediate and life-threatening risk of a cave-in, which underscores the importance of adhering to established safety protocols.