What is one of the key steps to prevent harm while working in a trench?

Checking your escape route is crucial when working in a trench as it ensures that workers can quickly and safely evacuate the area in case of an emergency. Trenches pose various hazards, such as cave-ins, which can occur suddenly and without warning. Having a well-thought-out escape route allows workers to respond efficiently to potential dangers, thereby minimizing the risk of injury or fatalities. It’s essential for workers to know how to reach safety swiftly and effectively if conditions change unexpectedly.

While other factors, such as ventilation and soil testing, do contribute to overall safety in trench work, the immediate concern during a hazardous situation is ensuring a quick escape. Proper ventilation may be necessary for specific jobs to keep the air safe to breathe, but it is not a primary protective measure against immediate dangers like a cave-in. Similarly, avoiding soil testing does not necessarily contribute to safety, as knowing the soil conditions is vital for evaluating risks. Therefore, having a clear and accessible escape route remains one of the most important considerations in trench safety practices.