True or False: Protection systems are required in trenches that are 5 feet or deeper.

Protection systems are indeed required in trenches that are 5 feet or deeper due to the risks associated with excavation work. When trenches reach this depth, the potential for cave-ins increases significantly, which can be extremely dangerous for workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates that any trenching operations that exceed this depth must utilize protective systems, such as trench boxes or shoring, to ensure the safety of personnel who are working in or near the trench.

The requirement stems from the understanding that trenching operations can pose serious hazards, and without proper protective measures in place, workers are at risk of injury or fatality from collapses. This regulation is in place to enhance worker safety and minimize the likelihood of accidents due to trench collapses, which are known to occur rapidly and can result in severe consequences.

Overall, recognizing that protection systems must be implemented at this specified depth reflects adherence to safety regulations and the importance of safeguarding workers in construction and excavation jobs.