The Designated Competent Person – 4/1/24

Safety E-Quick Tip

OWYN Safety Management Platform

The Designated Competent Person

Who is this superhero and why is their role so important?

“The Designated Competent Person” referred to by OSHA is a crucial figure in protecting a company’s most valuable assets, including employees, reputation, and profits.

Despite the clear definition in OSHA regulations, many employers and even the designated Competent Persons themselves often lack a proper understanding of the role and responsibilities involved.

According to OSHA, a Competent Person is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the workplace.

To fulfill this role effectively, the Competent Person needs to be trained to recognize hazards specific to the work being performed and possess industry experience to anticipate potential risks. By doing so, they can communicate safety measures to the employees they work with.

Additionally, a Competent Person must possess the authority to take prompt corrective action to eliminate hazards in the workplace. This requires the company to grant the Competent Person the necessary power to act without having to seek permission from upper management for corrective measures.

All things considered, designating a Competent Person with the right training, experience, and authority is one of the most effective defenses a company can have in safeguarding employees against workplace hazards.

For those who were unsure about the responsibilities and significance of a Competent Person, I hope this explanation has provided clarity on the term and the role it plays.

Employee QuickTip

If your company’s designated Competent Person tells you to stop work until necessary changes are made to help protect you from a hazard, you need to listen. Their instruction will help ensure you go home safe and sound.

Employer/Management QuickTip

Having a designated Competent Person, whether from management or among employees, who can identify hazards and is empowered to take immediate corrective action plays a critical role in ensuring workplace safety.

Have you received your first Safety E-QuickTip and would like to check out some QuickTips from the past? Check out our Safety E-QuickTips Archive Page on our website.

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Thanks for Reading and Please – “Stay Safe this Week”.