In accordance with OSHA protection, what term describes a person who examines the ground in excavations?

The term that describes a person who examines the ground in excavations is "competent." In OSHA regulations, a competent person is defined as someone who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are hazardous or dangerous to employees. This individual has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate those hazards.

In the context of excavation, a competent person must have the knowledge and experience to assess soil conditions, recognize signs of instability, and make informed decisions regarding the safety of excavation operations. This is critical to preventing cave-ins and other hazards associated with excavation work.

Other terms such as “qualified,” “authorized,” and “certified” describe various levels of training and legitimacy but do not specifically highlight the ability to identify and rectify hazards in the same job context as a competent person does. A qualified person may have specialized training but is not necessarily responsible for safety on-site, while an authorized person has been given permission to perform specific tasks, and certification typically denotes completion of a program rather than the practical authority to manage site safety.