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Competent Person: What OSHA Requires and Who Can Be One
Many OSHA construction standards require a competent person on site. That person must be able to spot the hazards and have the authority to fix them right away. AAAT3 helps you name, train and document the right people for each activity.
The rule
What the requirement says
“Competent person means 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 authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”
— 29 CFR 1926.32(f)
In plain words: they can see the hazard, and they are allowed to stop the work and fix it. Knowledge without authority does not count.
Key numbers
What the rules say
A competent person must inspect excavations daily, before work starts and as needed during the shift
29 CFR 1926.651(k)A competent person must inspect scaffolds before each work shift and after anything that could affect them
29 CFR 1926.451(f)(3)OSHA does not certify competent persons. The employer designates them based on knowledge, training and authority
29 CFR 1926.32(f)How we do it
Step by step
List the activities
Find every standard in your scope that calls for a competent person.
Pick the person
Choose people with the knowledge and experience for each activity.
Train to the standard
Excavation, scaffold, fall protection, silica and confined space each need their own training.
Designate in writing
Name each competent person by activity in a signed letter.
Give authority
Make sure they can stop work and correct hazards on the spot.
Inspect and record
Keep daily and per-shift inspection logs.
Re-check
Update the list when the scope, crew or subcontractors change.
Checklist
What we track and deliver
- Competent person list by activity
- Signed designation letters
- Training records for each standard
- Daily excavation inspection logs
- Scaffold inspection tags and logs
- Fall protection plan and rescue plan
- Silica exposure control plan
- Confined space evaluations
Common problems
Where this usually goes wrong
A title without training
Naming a foreman is not enough. We check that their training matches the activity.
No authority to stop work
If they cannot stop the work, they are not a competent person. We put the authority in writing.
One person for everything
One person cannot inspect every trench and scaffold. We plan coverage by area and shift.
No records
An inspection that is not written down is hard to prove. We set up simple daily logs.
Standards
Codes and standards behind this role
8 standardsFederal government requirementIndustry recognized practice
Where OSHA requires one
6- 29 CFR 1926.32(f)
Definition of a competent personFederal
- 29 CFR 1926.451
ScaffoldsFederal
- 29 CFR 1926.651
ExcavationsFederal
- 29 CFR 1926.1053
LaddersFederal
- 29 CFR 1926.1153
Respirable crystalline silicaFederal
- 29 CFR 1926.1203
Confined spaces in constructionFederal
Industry practice
2- ANSI/ASSP Z359.2
Managed fall protection programsIndustry
- ISO 45001 7.2
Competence of workersIndustry
FAQ
Common questions
Does OSHA certify competent persons?
No. The employer decides who is competent and puts it in writing. Training and experience are how you show it.
Can the foreman be the competent person?
Yes, if the foreman has the right training for that activity and the authority to stop work and fix hazards.
Is a competent person the same as a qualified person?
No. A qualified person has a degree, certificate or extensive experience to solve problems, such as designing a system. A competent person finds hazards and fixes them on site.
Staffing roles in detail
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Get a quote: Competent Person
Tell us about your project, the activities in your scope and your start date. We reply with a plan and pricing.
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