What is required to protect the public and other employees when excavations are left open?

The choice that emphasizes the use of warnings through devices or barricades is paramount for ensuring safety in situations where excavations are left open. This approach serves to alert both the public and other employees to the potential hazards present in the area. By using physical barriers such as cones, signs, and fencing, a clear visual warning is created, which directs individuals away from the danger zone and helps prevent accidental falls or injuries.

While fencing, lighting, and daily inspections are essential components of an overall safety strategy, the immediate necessity is to provide a clear warning to prevent access to the excavation site. Proper barricading also serves to guide traffic and ensure that those unaware of the excavation are effectively diverted from the risk.