The definitions side by side
| Term | OSHA construction definition |
|---|---|
| Competent person | Capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards, and authorized to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.[1] |
| Qualified | Has a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or extensive knowledge, training and experience, and has shown the ability to solve problems in the subject matter, the work or the project.[1] |
| Authorized person | Approved or assigned by the employer to perform a specific duty or to be at a specific location.[1] |
What it means on a jobsite
- Competent persons inspect. Employer safety programs provide for frequent and regular inspections by competent persons the employer designates.[2] A safety monitor for fall protection must also be a competent person.[4]
- Qualified persons design. For example, a fall protection plan has to be prepared by a qualified person, and changes to it approved by one.[3]
- One person can be both. The terms describe what someone can do and what they are allowed to do, not job titles.
The deciding feature of a competent person is the employer's authorization to correct hazards. Knowledge alone does not make someone the competent person for a task.
Does an OSHA 30 card make someone competent?
Not on its own. OSHA's 10- and 30-hour outreach courses are voluntary, are not certifications, and do not meet the training requirements of any OSHA standard.[5] More on that in is OSHA 30 a certification.
Where a safety observer fits
An observer identifies and reports hazards but does not direct the correction. NSC Enterprises observers work that way by default; whether anyone on site is your designated competent person, and for what, stays with your program. Read what a safety observer does, and see how personnel are vetted on personnel standards & prequalification.
Sources
- [1]29 CFR 1926.32, Definitions. (d) authorized person: approved or assigned by the employer to perform a specific type of duty or to be at a specific location. (f) competent person: capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards, with authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. (m) qualified: by a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has demonstrated the ability to solve problems relating to the subject matter, the work or the project.
- [2]29 CFR 1926.20, General safety and health provisions. 1926.20(b)(1)-(2): the employer initiates and maintains the programs needed to comply, and they provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job sites, materials and equipment by competent persons the employer designates.
- [3]29 CFR 1926.502(k), Fall protection plan. Available only for leading edge work, precast concrete erection or residential construction where conventional fall protection is infeasible or creates a greater hazard. The plan is prepared by a qualified person, developed specifically for the site, kept up to date, and a copy is kept at the job site.
- [4]29 CFR 1926.502(h), Safety monitoring systems. (h)(1): the employer designates a competent person as safety monitor, who recognizes fall hazards, warns employees, stays on the same walking/working surface within visual sighting distance, is close enough to communicate orally, and has no other responsibilities that could take attention from monitoring. (h)(2)-(4): no mechanical equipment used or stored where monitoring protects low-slope roofers; only roofers or employees under a fall protection plan in the area; employees in a controlled access zone comply promptly with the monitor's warnings.
- [5]OSHA, Outreach Training Program (10- and 30-hour cards). Students receive a 10-hour or 30-hour course completion card; classes are taught by OSHA-authorized trainers, who have 90 days after the course to issue cards. The program is voluntary and does not meet the training requirements of any OSHA standard; some states, municipalities or others may require it as a condition of employment, but OSHA does not. None of the outreach courses is a certification. The 10-hour class gives workers hazard awareness; the 30-hour class suits supervisors or workers with some safety responsibility.
Sources read 2026-11-02. General information, not legal advice; check the current rule and your contract.