What Is a Competent Person? (OSHA Definition)
OSHA defines a competent person as one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are hazardous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them (29 CFR 1926.32). Two things are required together: the knowledge to recognize the hazard, and the authority to stop work and fix it. Many OSHA construction standards, including excavation, scaffolding, and fall protection, require a competent person for specific tasks.
Where OSHA requires a competent person
- ✓ Excavations: daily inspections, soil classification, and protective system selection (1926.651-652)
- ✓ Scaffolds: erection, inspection before each shift, and dismantling (1926.451)
- ✓ Fall protection: inspecting systems and, in some cases, overseeing the work plan (1926.502)
- ✓ Ladders: inspecting for defects and removing damaged ladders from service (1926.1053)
- ✓ Cranes, steel erection, and confined spaces each have their own competent or qualified person roles
Competent is not the same as certified
There is no single OSHA "competent person card." Competence is task-specific: someone can be the competent person for excavation but not for scaffolding. It comes from training and demonstrated experience with that specific hazard, plus the employer granting real authority to stop work. Assigning the title without the training or the authority does not meet the standard and is a common citation.
A qualified person is a related but different role: someone with a recognized degree, certificate, or extensive knowledge who can solve problems relating to the subject matter, required for tasks like designing certain fall protection or shoring systems.
Name your competent person in the plan
Your safety documents should designate who the competent person is for each applicable hazard on the job. TailgateDocs generates site-specific safety plans and written safety programs that include the competent person designation and responsibilities for your trade, citing the standards that require the role. Delivered in minutes with verified citations.
Common questions
▸Does a competent person need a certification?
OSHA does not issue a universal competent-person certification. The role requires training and demonstrated experience for the specific hazard, plus employer authorization to correct hazards. Some standards and many GCs expect documented training for the role.
▸Can one person be the competent person for everything?
Only for the hazards they are actually trained and experienced in. A person competent for excavation is not automatically competent for scaffolding. Designate the right person per hazard.
▸What authority does a competent person need?
The authority to take prompt corrective action, which includes stopping work. Recognizing a hazard without the power to fix it does not satisfy the definition.
Skip the template. Get the finished document.
1,200+ documents generated for 350+ contractors. Verified citations, ~4 minute delivery, free revision within 24 hours if a reviewer asks for changes.
Keep exploring
State requirements quizFree toolbox talks (EN/ES)Sample documents