An excavator operator is digging a 3-meter deep trench in granular soil. The soil is stable when dry, but forecasts indicate heavy rain for the next 24 hours. What proactive measure should the operator take regarding trench stability?

Question: An excavator operator is digging a 3-meter deep trench in granular soil. The soil is stable when dry, but forecasts indicate heavy rain for the next 24 hours. What proactive measure should the operator take regarding trench stability?

Answer options: ✅ Install trench boxes or shoring throughout the trench regardless of apparent stability

• Immediately cease all trenching operations until the rain has passed
• Continue digging without concern, as granular soil drains quickly
• Backfill a portion of the trench to create a smaller, segmented excavation

Correct answer: Install trench boxes or shoring throughout the trench regardless of apparent stability

Explanation: Installing trench boxes or shoring is a proactive and essential safety measure in anticipation of heavy rain, as water can significantly destabilize granular soil. Ceasing operations is an option, but not always practical for project timelines. Continuing without concern is dangerous, and segmented backfilling doesn't address overall stability during rain.