Utah Contractor Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive Prep Guide

Trenches that are 5 feet deep or greater need a protective system to ensure the safety of workers unless the excavation occurs entirely in stable rock. This requirement is grounded in safety regulations designed to prevent incidents related to cave-ins, which are a major hazard in trenching work.

The rationale behind this specific depth is based on the level of risk associated with excavations. At depths of 5 feet and above, the potential for serious injury or fatality due to soil collapse increases significantly. The protective systems, which can include trench boxes or shoring, are intended to mitigate these dangers, ensuring that workers remain safe during their tasks.

The other depth options listed are not aligned with regulatory guidelines regarding trench safety. For example, while shallow excavations pose some risks, the threshold of 5 feet is recognized as critical for requiring protective measures, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety standards in construction practices.