What does the term "trench cave-in" refer to?

The term "trench cave-in" specifically refers to a situation where the walls of an excavation site collapse, potentially burying workers inside. This is a critical safety concern in excavation operations, as cave-ins can lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Workers are at significant risk when they are inside a trench that does not have appropriate protective measures in place, such as shoring or sloping, which are designed to prevent soil from collapsing. Understanding this term is fundamental for recognizing the hazards associated with trench work and implementing necessary precautions to ensure worker safety in these environments.