Which statement defines a competent person?

• A. Capable of identifying existing predictable hazards and has authorization to correct and eliminate them.
• B. A person who has completed a departmental safety course.
• C. A supervisor who approves procedures.
• D. Anyone working under direct supervision.

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is what makes someone a competent person on the job. A competent person is someone who can identify existing predictable hazards and has the authority to correct and eliminate them. This combination is essential because recognizing hazards without the power to fix them doesn’t reduce risk, and having authority without the ability to identify hazards isn’t sufficient to keep work safe. Among the other statements, completing a safety course shows training but not necessarily the on-site authority to act; a supervisor who approves procedures may not be the person on the ground who identifies hazards and implements corrective actions; and someone under direct supervision typically lacks the independent authority to address hazards.