According to OSHA, is a competent person required to be present at a job site whenever workers are in an excavation?

A competent person is required to be present at a job site whenever workers are in an excavation because their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and health of workers. This individual must have the knowledge and training to recognize hazards associated with excavations and is authorized to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate or mitigate these hazards.

The continual presence of a competent person at the excavation site helps to prevent incidents that could lead to injuries or fatalities, given the inherent risks involved in excavation work, such as cave-ins, falling tools, and hazardous atmospheres. This requirement not only enhances the safety of the workers on-site but also ensures compliance with OSHA regulations, which prioritizes worker safety in potentially hazardous environments.