Question: When a trench excavation is 4 feet deep or m Yes. The ladder placed in the box creates an additional hazard No. The ladder must be immediately available at all timesore, a stairway, ladder, ramp or safe means of egress shall be provided to require no more than 25 feet of lateral travel for employees. If the trench was cut in Type C soil, you could: Excavate an earthen ramp into the trench Provide a ladder or structural ramp Excavate steps into the face of the trench It is not 5 feet deep so no protection system is required