What is a common hazard associated with trench excavation?

Cave-ins are a significant hazard associated with trench excavation because they can lead to serious injuries or fatalities. When trenches are excavated, the walls can become unstable, especially in loose or wet soil conditions. The weight of the soil above can create immense pressure and cause sections of the trench to collapse unexpectedly, trapping individuals inside.

To mitigate this risk, it is essential to implement protective measures such as trench boxes, shoring, or sloping the walls of the trench to a safe angle. Recognizing the potential for cave-ins is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers involved in excavation activities, which is why this hazard is emphasized in industry training and regulations.

While the other options represent various safety concerns, they do not carry the same level of immediate risk of injury or fatality as cave-ins in the context of trench excavation. For instance, exposed electrical wires may pose a hazard, but they are not a universal concern in every trench excavation situation. Similarly, concerns about unsafe lift heights and excessive noise are valid in other contexts but do not directly pertain to the specific hazards unique to trench work.