Final answer:
Placing a shield between the side of an excavation and the work area is indeed a true safety measure to minimize risk during a cave-in, just like shielding is used in medical settings and archaeology to protect from harmful exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that placing a shield between the side of an excavation and the work area can minimize the risk in the event of a cave-in is true. Shielding is a protective measure that absorbs harmful agents, such as radiation, which is commonly seen in a medical context. For instance, in dental offices, a lead apron shields the patient while taking an x-ray, and other shielding methods protect the technician. Similarly, in archaeology, controlled excavations with proper shielding minimize damage to artifacts and the individuals conducting the work. These principles of safety through shielding apply to various scenarios, including minimizing physical risks like those from a potential cave-in during an excavation.