You’ve seen the term “competent person” used across health and safety documents. What is an OSHA competent person? Who is the right person for the job, and what makes them OSHA-compliant when it comes to competency in a work environment?
Find out what a competent person is, and learn how OSHA competent person training works.
What Is a Competent Person in Health and Safety?
Having competent individuals on site is a legal obligation. Usually this is your foreman, supervisor, or another predetermined employee. But they do not earn the title by attending a class and passing a test. There’s more to it.
OSHA Definition of Competent Person
OSHA defines a competent person as “one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees.”
A safety competent person is one “who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.” The kind of competent person OSHA speaks of is one who understands specific operations. They are knowledgeable, standard savvy, observant, proactive, and authoritative.
It’s important to remember that a competent person bears a combination of these. An authoritative leader isn’t necessarily standard savvy. An observant person isn’t always proactive. They don’t see the need and do something about it.
Still have questions? Use safety consulting firms like Safety by Design. We have the answers and expertise you need. You can rest assured that your tasks on construction sites and beyond are in good hands.
How to Become a Competent Person
You now understand the definition of a competent person. But how do you become a construction competent person? The best way to discover this process is by having a look at the competent person training.
As an employer, you have the right to name an employee a “competent person.” It’s important for employers to understand what is covered in training courses. You should trust that your competent person is, in all ways, actually competent.
Use Safety by Design’s OSHA training in Houston. You’ll be in the loop on any and all training courses. With our guidance, you’ll know that your company boasts true competent persons. And your business will benefit in safety, health, and efficiency.
OSHA Competent Person Training Requirements
Some people think that competent persons are signed up for training courses. They pass the course, are certified and automatically deemed competent. But competent persons are held to specific standards and additional requirements.
OSHA competent person training should go beyond 10 hours of classroom lectures. Where’s the proof that the competent person can apply the knowledge? Receiving your competent person training card should entail more.
You can’t be competent in every single field. That’s impossible. OSHA understands that. They do expect for specific competent persons you have designated to perform in specialized areas. They should be experts. They should also be capable of seeing and predicting potential hazards. And they should act before disasters occur.
What Does OSHA Expect?
OSHA will ask about your competent person. They want to see if your other employees know who this person is. They also want to observe and evaluate your competent person’s level of knowledge and authority in the work environment.
A single competent person is enough in some cases. It will help to have your worksite evaluated before OSHA gets on the scene. You can then be confident in your competent person or persons. Sometimes, multiple competent persons are required.
You can be cited in your OSHA evaluation. If your competent person lacks in any way, OSHA will take note. They’ll say you do not have a competent person on site. According to their standards, you don’t. You’ll need the right competent person, and you need the right team of trainers on your side.
Develop Your Competent Person with Safety By Design
Sometimes, more than one individual in your company should be given the title of health and safety competent person. They need a competent person certificate. They also need to prove themselves to a training crew that presents them with real life situations and tasks. Your competent person’s responses to potential hazards and actual emergencies are important.
Contact Safety by Design today. We’re here if you’re interested in training your competent persons the right way. We offer more than classes and PowerPoints. We engage employees from beginning to end. Your OSHA compliance and worker health and safety are our top priorities.
