Whose approval is needed before sending employees into an excavation that undermines a building's foundation?

The approval of a registered professional engineer is essential before sending employees into an excavation that undermines a building's foundation. This requirement exists because a registered professional engineer possesses the necessary education, experience, and qualifications to assess the structural integrity and assess the risks associated with excavation work near critical infrastructure such as building foundations. They can evaluate the soil conditions, potential for cave-ins, and recommend necessary protective systems, ensuring that employees are safeguarded from possible hazards.

Other figures, such as a city inspector or site manager, may have important roles in the construction and safety process, but they typically do not have the same level of training and expertise in structural engineering. A safety officer's responsibilities often focus on enforcing safe practices and procedures rather than conducting the engineering analysis necessary for this specific scenario. Thus, the engineer's specialized knowledge is crucial in making informed decisions to protect the safety of workers in such potentially hazardous environments.