In excavation safety, what is the recommended minimum distance between a truck wheel and the excavation edge?

• A. 6 feet
• B. 4 feet
• C. 8 feet
• D. 10 feet

Answer: (A)

Keeping a safe setback from the excavation edge is essential for preventing cave-ins and protecting workers and equipment. When a truck moves near a trench, the wheel loads and vibrations can loosen soil at the lip, increasing the risk of edge failure or wheel drop. A six-foot clearance provides a practical buffer that accommodates the truck’s tire width and any soil movement near the edge, while also giving the driver room to maneuver and spotters a vantage point to guide safely. Shorter distances don’t leave enough margin to manage soil instability or sudden movements, whereas much larger distances add unnecessary travel without yielding a proportional safety gain. So, the recommended minimum is six feet.