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The Role of a Competent Person and How to Become One

Written by Staff Writer | Edited by Michael Purser

Four construction workers hold a safety meeting in front of scaffolding on the site of new construction.

Employers are responsible for designating a competent person on job sites where significant hazards are present. Failure to comply can result in steep penalties, legal liabilities or even criminal charges in the event of a serious workplace incident.

For businesses and contractors, ensuring compliant oversight is more than just a regulatory box to check. It’s an investment in keeping construction sites safe and protecting workers.

For workers, becoming one of these safety experts can lead to better jobs, higher pay and other opportunities.

What is a Competent Person?

OSHA defines the role as an employer-designated individual who is capable of identifying both existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are:

  • Hazardous
  • Dangerous
  • Unsanitary

That doesn’t mean that these individuals know everything about every hazard that can be found on a jobsite. Instead, they possess a deep knowledge of one particular kind of hazard and have the authority to take corrective measures to eliminate specified conditions.

Many workplaces are required by law to have a compliant individual on-site during all work hours. The specific training and experience needed can vary depending on the industry, jobsite and role. A competent person is required to know all the applicable laws, regulations and standards for the hazard or hazards in which they specialize.

Any aspiring safety officer must satisfy the training requirements found in 29 CFR 1926.32(f). Individuals can seek mastery in multiple subject areas to become more versatile in their roles.

Becoming a Competent Person

While there’s no single path, OSHA-compliant training and deep regulatory knowledge are key. You can grow into the role, becoming a more knowledgeable person with experience and compliant education.

How to Choose the Right Training Program

When evaluating course providers, here are some of the key factors you should consider:

  • Accreditation — Keep in mind that OSHA does not approve training or certify individuals. However, ensure the program aligns with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards and is taught by experienced instructors.
  • Format and accessibility — While face-to-face classes may be available in your area, online courses offer the flexibility you need, allowing you to work around your schedule.
  • Course materials — Choosing a high-quality course means better retention of safety concepts and a stronger ability to apply them on the job. Look for programs that include real-world examples and interactive elements that reinforce learning.
  • Certification — While there is no official OSHA certification, your provider should offer a Certificate of Completion to demonstrate that you finished your coursework.

Holding this designation shows leadership, initiative and expertise. It can open doors for construction professionals, leading to supervisory roles, higher pay and greater job security. It also provides peace of mind for everyone on the worksite, giving workers the confidence to speak up and act when they see risks, keeping everyone safe.

Common Specializations

Some of the most common hazard categories that require an on-duty designated individual are listed below.

Fall Protection

Falling is the second-leading cause of workplace fatalities overall and the leading killer of construction professionals. Hundreds of workers die each year from falls, most of which are preventable.

According to 2023 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 40% of construction fatalities were the result of falls. More than 200,000 individuals suffer fall injuries severe enough to miss work each year.

There’s no single cause for workplace falls, either. Workers are at risk from unprotected edges, improper use of fall arrest systems, unstable surfaces and inadequate guardrails.

Trained fall protection experts are expected to evaluate worksites for risks, oversee the installation of fall protection systems and ensure equipment is used and maintained correctly.

Fall prevention is vital for a wide range of professionals, including:

  • Construction laborers
  • Maintenance workers
  • Carpenters
  • Inspectors
  • Roofers
  • Electricians
  • Window washers
  • Utility installers

Our 100% online course satisfies OSHA’s fall protection requirement for construction sites. Students can learn at their own pace and instantly download a digital Certificate of Completion when they’re done, demonstrating mastery of the educational standards established in 29 CFR 1926.32(f).

This comprehensive lesson plan can be completed in as little as three and a half hours.

>> Learn More

Scaffolding

Scaffolding hazards can include collapse due to overloading, improper assembly or weather conditions, as well as slips, trips and falls. 65% of construction industry professionals work on scaffolds at some point, accounting for approximately 2.3 million workers. Scaffolding hazards cause about 50 deaths and 4,500 injuries each year.

Capable professionals in this area ensure that scaffold structures are safe, regularly inspected and compliant with regulations. They are also responsible for recognizing unsafe conditions and acting swiftly to correct them.

Scaffolding use is a regular part of the job for:

  • Construction laborers
  • Cleanup crews
  • Maintenance workers
  • Masons
  • Window installers and cleaners
  • Painters

Our online course satisfies the scaffolding safety requirements established by OSHA for construction sites in alignment with 29 CFR 1926.32(f). Students receive 3.5 hours of education and can start and stop at any time.

After completing the lesson, students must pass a 15-question final exam to receive a Certificate of Completion.

>> Learn More

Excavation and Trenching

Digging into the earth can be deadly. Cave-ins, falling objects and toxic atmospheres can all claim lives. Excavation fatality rates are significantly higher than the industry average, although the numbers have fallen over time as workers become more acquainted with the dangers and technology improves.

Job duties include assessing soil stability, determining suitable protective systems and conducting inspections before and after shifts or weather events. This role is responsible for spotting hazards and stopping work until they’re addressed.

This expertise is critical for:

  • Construction laborers
  • Utility installers
  • Road crews
  • Foundation specialists
  • Landscapers
  • Plumbers

Being aware of potential hazards and following best practices is critical when it comes to excavation and trenching. Our online course includes high-quality videos and multiple case studies drawn from real incident reports.

Once finished, students can immediately download a Certificate of Completion. This online education includes audio narration and video and takes less than four hours to complete.

>> Learn More

Other Online Training Courses

Competent person training works best as an enhancement to other career-advancing educational programs. To get the most out of your skills, you may also be interested in other online education courses we offer, such as:

Start Your Journey Today

A competent worker not only knows the rules but also applies them in real-world settings to protect everyone on the jobsite. Whether you're already working in a hazardous environment or are stepping into a supervisory role, pursuing training can be a life-saving decision for you and those around you.

Sign up for one of our 100% online courses and start learning today!