CSLB Law & Business ExamSafetyMedium
During excavation of a 9-foot trench, Cal/OSHA requires daily inspections for hazardous conditions. Who is authorized to perform these inspections?
- AAny employee assigned by the general contractor
- BA competent person designated by the employer
- CThe property owner
- DA licensed structural engineer only
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. A competent person designated by the employer
Cal/OSHA excavation standards require a 'competent person'—someone trained to identify hazardous conditions and authorized to take corrective action—to inspect trenches daily and after any event that could increase hazards. A structural engineer is only required for specific engineered designs, not routine inspections.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Any random employee may lack the training required to identify hazards.
- C. Property owners typically lack the required safety training.
- D. An engineer is only needed for specific designs, not daily inspections.
Competent Person (Excavation)
An individual capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has authority to take prompt corrective action to eliminate them.
- Required to inspect trenches daily and after rainstorms or other hazard-increasing events
- Must have specific training in soil analysis and protective systems
- Distinct from a licensed engineer, who is needed only for certain designs
Memory trick: Competent person checks the pit before you dig deeper