True or False: Trenches that are 4 feet or deeper are considered hazardous environments.

Trenches that are 4 feet or deeper are indeed regarded as hazardous environments primarily due to the risks associated with soil collapse and the potential for workers to be exposed to dangerous conditions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established guidelines that categorize trenches over 4 feet deep as requiring additional safety measures to prevent cave-ins, which can pose serious risks to workers' safety.

In addition to the danger of cave-ins, the depth of the trench can lead to other hazards, such as water accumulation and hazardous atmospheres. Therefore, proper safety protocols, including protective systems like trench boxes or shoring, must be employed to ensure worker safety when working at these depths. Local regulations may further stipulate additional safety requirements, but fundamentally, the depth itself creates an environment that is inherently hazardous, highlighting the importance of adhering to these safety standards.