What should workers do if they see signs of a possible cave-in?

When workers observe signs of a potential cave-in, the best course of action is to evacuate the area immediately and notify the competent person. This response is critical because cave-ins can occur suddenly and can be life-threatening. By evacuating, workers remove themselves from imminent danger, while notifying a competent person ensures that the situation is assessed and managed appropriately by someone with the necessary training and authority. This person can implement safety measures, such as shoring or trench supports, to prevent an accident and ensure the safety of all personnel involved.

Remaining in the area, even cautiously, can expose workers to significant risk if a cave-in occurs. Ignoring signs of instability can lead to disaster, and taking it upon themselves to stabilize the area without proper training and equipment may cause more harm than good. Thus, the appropriate and safest approach in the presence of any warning signs is evacuation and communication with someone who is qualified to address the situation effectively.