What must be provided to protect employees from falling loose rock or soil?

Adequate protective measures encompass a range of strategies and equipment designed to safeguard employees from the hazards posed by loose rock or soil. This includes the implementation of containment systems, shoring, and other engineering controls that help stabilize the work area and prevent falls. By ensuring that these protective measures are in place, the risk of injury due to falling debris is significantly minimized.

While safety nets can be effective in certain scenarios, they represent a more specific type of protection rather than the comprehensive approach indicated by adequate protective measures, which can include ventilation, signage, barriers, and protective equipment. Similarly, shovels and heavy machinery do not directly address the risk of falling materials and do not serve the purpose of protecting workers from such hazards. Thus, the emphasis on adequate protective measures highlights the broader responsibility to provide a safe working environment for excavator operators and other employees on the site.