Who is responsible for determining the degree to which the actual slope must be reduced?

A competent person is specifically defined within safety regulations, particularly those involving excavation and soil stability. This individual possesses the authority, knowledge, and experience to identify hazards and determine the necessary measures to mitigate risks effectively. When it comes to reducing slopes for excavation work, a competent person evaluates the soil's characteristics, environmental conditions, and the specific demands of the project.

This individual makes informed decisions on how steep an excavation slope can be without compromising safety, based on guidelines and regulations set forth by organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Their expertise ensures that the slope is reduced to a safe degree, preventing potential collapses that could endanger workers.

While other roles, such as the site foreman, project manager, and safety officer, may have important responsibilities related to site operations, they do not typically hold the same level of expertise in soil and excavation safety as a competent person. Thus, the competent person is the appropriate choice for determining reductions in slope to maintain safety in excavation sites.