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A Competent Person

Is someone who has the knowledge, training, and experience to identify and mitigate hazards in the workplace. The definition of a competent person varies by industry and type of work, but generally, a competent person is someone who has the authority to make decisions about safety and take corrective action when necessary.

In some cases, regulatory bodies such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) require the appointment of a competent person for specific tasks or operations, such as excavation work or confined space entry. The competent person must have the necessary training and experience to perform the task safely and ensure that employees are protected from workplace hazards. The competent person may also be responsible for training employees, inspecting equipment, and monitoring the work environment to ensure that safety standards are met.

The term "Competent Person" appears in several OSHA standards and documents. According to OSHA's definition [29 CFR 1926.32(f)], a "competent person" is someone who can recognize existing and predictable hazards in the work environment, which are unsafe, unhygienic, or dangerous for employees, and who has the authority to take corrective action to eliminate them. A competent person is typically knowledgeable about the relevant standards, can identify workplace hazards related to the operation, and has the authority to take appropriate corrective measures.

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Published on: February 17, 2023