What Is a Competent Person?

In Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, a "Competent Person" is not just a term but a designated position crucial for maintaining a safe working environment. But what exactly is a “competent person” under OSHA regulations? 

In this blog, we’ll go over the definition of a competent person, including the roles, qualifications, and the pivotal part they play in building a culture of safety in the workplace.

Definition of a Competent Person

OSHA’s definition of a competent person is "one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them" [29 CFR 1926.32(f)]. 

Through training and/or experience, a competent person possesses knowledge of relevant standards, can identify workplace hazards specific to the operation, and has the authority to address them. Certain standards also impose additional specific requirements that the competent person must fulfill.

However, the role goes beyond hazard identification. It incorporates a proactive approach to safety, requiring a blend of experience, knowledge, and authority. 

A competent person serves as the keystone in a company's safety program, bridging the gap between regulatory compliance and daily operations. 

What Are the Attributes and Qualifications for a Competent Person?  

The attributes and qualifications of a competent person include experience, skills, and knowledge. Let’s take a look at each: 

Education and Experience

Typically, there's no one-size-fits-all educational pathway to becoming a competent person. It often depends on the industry and specific job hazards. However, a combination of formal education in safety management and practical, hands-on experience in the field is highly valued.

A competent person at a job site should possess the necessary experience to grasp the unique aspects of the project and the tasks involved. 

This might mean having an extensive background in the construction industry across various capacities. Alternatively, it could mean that the individual has fewer years in the field but has undergone specialized training tailored to a specific job. 

Skills and Knowledge

A competent person must possess an in-depth understanding of applicable OSHA standards, hazard recognition, risk assessment, and the specific operations and tasks of their workplace. They should also be skilled in communication, problem-solving, and leadership to manage safety issues effectively.

How can a competent person gain these skills and knowledge? In addition to experience, there are training courses available that are designed to improve your knowledge and skills related to certain areas of construction. 

Common course subjects that professionals study on their journey to become a competent person include: 

• Scaffolding
• Fall protection 
• Excavations 
• Stairways and ladders 
• Hazard recognition 
• Emergency response 

These subjects contain information about particular hazards that a competent person must understand and be able to correct when necessary. 

What Are the Workplace Safety Roles and Responsibilities of a Competent Person? 

Here are several roles and responsibilities a competent person might undertake for workplace safety: 

Hazard Identification and Control 

The primary role of a competent person is to regularly inspect the worksite for potential hazards, ranging from unsafe equipment to hazardous materials and unsafe work practices. This might look like: 

• Inspection: Conducts thorough examinations before activities commence at a job site.
• Scaffolding: Assesses scaffolding for potential hazards, establishes zones to protect against falling objects and validates the scaffold by signing off on the inspection card.
• Excavations: Reviews the excavation site daily before work starts and follows any weather changes while also setting up safety markers.
• Fall Protection: Ensures all barrier guardrails are properly positioned and evaluates the condition of fall protection gear.
• Ladders: Inspect ladders to ensure they are stable and free from damage.
• Electrical: Examines extension and tool cords for wear or damage and verifies that there are no exposed wires or open electrical boxes. 

Competent persons must take immediate action to mitigate these risks, either by implementing controls or stopping work if necessary. 

Training and Education

Competent persons are often responsible for conducting or overseeing safety OSHA training sessions. They ensure that all employees are aware of potential hazards, understand the use of safety equipment, and know how to respond in an emergency.

Record Keeping and Documentation

Maintaining accurate records of safety inspections, incidents, and training is another critical responsibility. These records are vital for ongoing safety evaluations and are often required for regulatory compliance.

What Is Regulatory Compliance and Certification in OSHA? 

While OSHA provides guidelines for what constitutes a competent person in regulatory compliance, it's up to each employer to designate this role based on the specific needs of their workplace. The competent person must be well-versed in the OSHA standards for their industry and operations. 

In some industries, like construction, certification programs exist to validate the expertise of a competent person. Regardless of formal OSHA certification, continuous learning is essential to stay updated on safety regulations, industry best practices, and emerging hazards. 

Ensuring a Culture of Safety through Competent Personnel  

Safety culture and competent personnel go hand in hand in the workplace. Here are three ways competent personnel can help promote a culture of safety in the workplace: 

1. Leadership and Influence

A competent person is not just a regulatory requirement but a cultural catalyst. They lead by example, promoting a safety-first mindset throughout the organization. Their influence helps to create an environment where safety is everyone's responsibility.

2. Collaborative Approach

Safety is not a one-person job. A competent person works in line with management, employees, and external agencies to develop and implement safety policies. This collaborative approach ensures that safety is integrated into every aspect of work.

3. Proactive vs. Reactive

The ultimate goal of having a competent person is to shift from a reactive to a proactive safety culture. This means anticipating and mitigating potential hazards before they result in accidents or injuries.

Maintain a Safe Work Environment With OSHAcampus 

A competent person is the cornerstone of an effective workplace safety program. They possess the knowledge, skills, and authority to identify and mitigate hazards, ensuring compliance with OSHA standards and fostering a culture of safety. 

By investing in competent personnel, companies can protect their most valuable asset — their employees — while maintaining operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. 

We offer several different kinds of competent person training covering topics such as fall protection, ladder safety, and excavation and trench safety. Having a variety of these training courses can help ensure you have a competent person on any type of job site.

As workplaces continue to evolve, the role of the competent person will remain indispensable in navigating the complexities of workplace safety. 

So, ready to invest in competent personnel? Head to our website to enroll today!