In the context of workplace safety, what is a significant risk of a trench without proper safety measures?

A trench without proper safety measures poses a significant risk of cave-ins. Trenching is a common practice in construction and utility work, where workers dig narrow openings in the ground. If the walls of a trench are not adequately supported, soil can easily become unstable, leading to a sudden collapse. Such cave-ins can be extremely dangerous, potentially trapping workers inside and causing serious injuries or fatalities.

Proper safety measures, such as shoring, shielding, or sloping the walls, are essential to minimize this risk. These precautions help to maintain stability in the trench, ensuring that it can be safely navigated by workers. While trip hazards, inadequate lighting, and poor ventilation are certainly important safety considerations as well, the immediate and life-threatening nature of a cave-in makes it the most significant risk associated with improperly managed trenches.