Final answer:
OSHA mandates that for trench excavations four feet deep or deeper, there must be an adequate exit route within 25 feet of lateral travel to ensure worker safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
OSHA requires that when employees are required to be in trench excavations that are four feet deep or deeper, there must be adequate means of egress within 25 feet of lateral travel.
This regulation is part of OSHA's efforts to ensure the safety of workers who are working in hazardous conditions such as trenches.
The requirement for an egress route is to provide a quick and safe way for workers to exit in the event of an emergency, helping to prevent injuries or fatalities associated with trench collapses and other related hazards.