Define Competent person.

• A. One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees.
• B. A person with a valid safety certificate.
• C. A person who reports to the safety manager.
• D. A person who can operate heavy machinery.

Answer: (A)

A competent person is someone who can identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that could be unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees. This focus on hazard recognition is what makes the option describing capability to identify hazards the best choice, because recognizing hazards is the essential role of a competent person in safeguarding workers. The other options miss this core capability: a safety certificate, a job title, or simply operating heavy machinery does not by itself establish the ability to identify hazards or take corrective action. In practice, a competent person also has the authority to take corrective measures to eliminate hazards, but the defining feature highlighted here is the ability to recognize hazards that could impact worker safety.