What safety measure is typically required when trenches exceed a certain depth?

When trenches exceed a specific depth, the implementation of fall protection becomes a critical safety measure. This requirement stems from the significant risks associated with deep excavation work. Trenches that are deeper can pose serious hazards, including the risk of cave-ins, which can lead to severe injury or fatalities for workers inside or near the trench.

Fall protection is essential to prevent workers from falling into the trench and to ensure that any potential collapse does not result in individuals being caught or buried. Depending on the depth and conditions of the trench, various forms of fall protection, such as guardrails, harnesses, and safety nets, may be implemented to enhance worker safety.

While barricades, safety netting, and warning signs are all important safety measures in construction environments, they do not specifically address the immediate risk of workers falling into a deep trench. Thus, fall protection directly targets the hazards presented by the depth of the excavation, making it the right choice in this context.