OSHA · Free course
Competent Person Awareness
What OSHA means by a "competent person," how it differs from a qualified person, where the construction standards require one (excavations, scaffolds…
What you’ll learn
By the end of this course.
State OSHA's two-part definition of a competent person — 1926.32(f)
Distinguish a competent person from a qualified person
Identify standards that require a competent person (excavation, scaffolds, fall protection, ladders, cranes)
Describe what a competent person does — inspections and prompt corrective authority
Explain that this course does not designate anyone a competent person
Know how to work with, and support, the competent person on your site
References & standards
Grounded in the source material.
- 29 CFR 1926.32(f) — Definition: competent person
- 29 CFR 1926.651 — Excavations (competent person)
- 29 CFR 1926.451 — Scaffolds (competent person)
- 29 CFR 1926.20/.21 — Safety programs and training
This is awareness training. It supports your program; it is not a substitute for site-specific procedures or hands-on competency where a standard requires it.
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