The hazard that needs to be addressed is access/egress (safe ways to get in and out of the excavation).

Because the excavation is more than 4 feet deep, workers must have a safe means of exit, such as ladders, steps, or ramps placed so that employees never have to travel too far to get out in an emergency. If they cannot safely exit, the lack of proper access/egress itself becomes a serious safety hazard that must be corrected immediately.

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