Sloping is primarily used to prevent which type of accident?

Sloping is primarily employed in excavation work to prevent cave-ins. This technique involves cutting back the sides of an excavation at an angle that reduces the risk of soil collapse, which can pose a significant danger to workers inside the trench. When the walls of an excavation are steep and unsupported, they are prone to falling in, especially if the soil is saturated with water or loose due to other conditions. By sloping the walls, the stability of the soil is improved, thus minimizing the likelihood of a cave-in.

Other preventative measures, such as trench boxes or shoring, can also be used, but sloping serves as one of the most basic and effective methods to safeguard workers from this specific risk. The other options listed do not relate directly to the consequences addressed by sloping practices. For instance, while preventing falls and other hazards is crucial in construction, those are typically managed by different safety protocols.