What addition must a contractor make to a walkway over a trench deeper than 6 feet according to OSHA standards?

According to OSHA standards, when a walkway is built over a trench that is deeper than 6 feet, the addition of guardrails or another fall protection system is necessary. This requirement is in place to protect workers from the risk of falls, which are a significant hazard in excavation work. The installation of guardrails helps to provide physical barriers that prevent individuals from accidentally falling into the trench.

This is particularly important considering that deeper trenches pose a heightened risk due to the increased distance that a worker could fall, potentially leading to severe injuries or fatalities. By requiring guardrails, OSHA ensures a safer working environment, emphasizing the importance of fall protection in excavation safety protocols. Other options, although relevant to safety practices, do not specifically address the unique hazards presented by a walkway over a deep trench.