Trenches must be designed, excavated, and shored according to which standards?

The correct answer is OSHA standards, as they provide specific regulations that ensure the safety and health of workers involved in excavations, including trenches. OSHA, which stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, outlines requirements for trench safety, including the necessity of shoring to prevent cave-ins, proper design factors, and excavation depth considerations. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to protect workers from potential hazards associated with trenching operations, such as collapses, which could lead to severe injuries or fatalities.

In contrast to OSHA's explicit safety focus, ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and API (American Petroleum Institute) standards are more relevant to mechanical engineering and the petroleum industry, respectively. While these standards have their importance in specific contexts, they do not primarily address excavation and trench safety. Company standards may apply within a specific organization; however, they must still adhere to OSHA regulations in the absence of stricter requirements to ensure legal compliance and worker protection. Therefore, referencing OSHA standards highlights the essential legal framework and safety practices mandated for trench excavation work.