During excavation operations, when should cave-in protection measures be in place?

Cave-in protection measures must be in place before workers enter the excavation to ensure their safety from potential hazards. This requirement is rooted in the assumption that any excavation carries inherent risks, and it is essential to proactively mitigate these risks to prevent accidents and injuries.

Implementing protective measures prior to entry is crucial because cave-ins can occur rapidly and without warning. By establishing the necessary safeguards, such as shoring, sloping, or shielding, the risk of a cave-in is significantly reduced, and workers can proceed with their tasks more safely.

Waiting until workers are at risk or after a cave-in has occurred would expose them to unnecessary danger, while considering weather conditions alone does not address the fundamental hazards present in the typical excavation environment. Therefore, the correct practice is to ensure cave-in protection is established beforehand, which aligns with safety regulations and best practices in excavation work.