CHST Practice Test – Complete Exam Preparation

Cave-ins are a significant and common hazard in excavation work due to the nature of trenching and digging activities. When workers excavate earth, especially in deep trenches, the walls of the excavation can become unstable. If adequate protective measures, such as shoring, benching, or sloping, are not implemented, there is a risk that surrounding soil may collapse inwards, potentially burying workers under tons of soil. This type of accident can lead to severe injuries or fatalities, making it crucial for excavation sites to adhere to safety regulations and guidelines designed to prevent cave-ins.

While noise pollution, exposure to chemicals, and electric shock can also represent hazards in construction environments, these are not as directly associated with excavation work specifically as cave-ins are. For instance, noise may be prevalent on any construction site, chemicals are more commonly related to material handling or processing tasks, and electric shock hazards typically stem from working near electrical lines or equipment. Therefore, cave-ins stand out as a particularly critical concern that requires focused preventive measures when conducting excavation activities.