Which is NOT a precaution required when working in trenches?

When working in trenches, safety precautions are critical to prevent accidents and injuries. One of the essential safety measures is to always wear appropriate footwear that provides support and protection. Working barefoot is unsafe and not a recommended practice because it exposes a person to numerous hazards, such as sharp objects, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials that may be present in the trench environment.

On the other hand, using ladders provides safe access and egress from the trench, conducting gas tests ensures that the atmosphere is safe for workers by identifying any harmful gases, and maintaining no standing water is crucial to prevent drowning hazards and slips. Hence, wearing proper footwear is a fundamental safety requirement, making working barefoot the option that does not align with necessary precautions in trench work.