Final answer:
OSHA mandates the use of diversions or other measures to prevent water from entering excavations, as part of their requirements to ensure worker safety by minimizing hazards.
Step-by-step explanation:
OSHA requires that diversions or other suitable means be used to prevent surface water from entering an excavation. This is part of OSHA's construction standards aimed at protecting workers from a variety of hazards on the job site.
Employers are tasked with the responsibility of providing a secure work environment, free from serious hazards and compliant with OSHA's safety and health standards.
This includes the application of effective measures such as the use of protective systems in trenches to prevent cave-ins and controlling surface water to ensure the safety of workers.
The implementation of safety measures also extends to preventing exposure to harmful chemicals and using personal protective equipment as a last resort when hazards cannot be otherwise eliminated.
Training about chemical hazards and other dangers is also required by OSHA. In situations where a specific OSHA standard does not exist for a particular hazard, employers must adhere to the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, which mandates the maintenance of a workplace devoid of serious recognized hazards.