A qualified individual is essential to the implementation and observance of OSHA regulatory requirements 1926. Excavations under Subpart P, and fall protection under Subpart M.

1. Who is a Competent
Person and their Role in
Excavation Safety and
Fall Protection

2. According to OSHA, a “competent person is
defined as one who is capable of identifying
existing and predictable hazards in the
surroundings or working conditions which
are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to
employees, and who has the authorization
to take prompt corrective measures to
eliminate them" [29 CFR 1926.32(f)].”
Who is a Competent
Person?

3. OSHA’s Excavation Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P specifies organizations involved
in excavation and trenching operations appoint an employee as a “competent person”
only if they:
Have training in soil analysis,
Are knowledgeable about protective systems and OSHA excavation requirements,
Are able to identify hazards in excavation work, and
Have the authority to take prompt action to remove or minimize hazards identified
at excavation and/or trenching worksites.
The Role and Responsibilities of the Competent
Person in Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring
Operations

4. At excavation sites, a competent person is required on-site whenever workers are
entering excavations. A competent person’s responsibilities at excavation sites include:
Classifying soil
Designing structural ramps for heavy equipment
Inspecting worksites daily, as often as needed
Examining equipment and materials to make sure they are in good working order
Monitoring water removal operations
Maintaining the authority to take prompt, corrective action to eliminate existing
and predictable hazards, and stopping work when required.
The Role and Responsibilities of the Competent
Person in Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring
Operations

5. Accordingly, an employer must appoint a competent person who is responsible
for:
The identification and evaluation of fall hazards and warning other workers
about these conditions.
Determining whether the safety nets meet the provisions of the Fall
Protections Standards according to Subpart M.
The inspection of the personal fall arrest system (PFAS) after a fall.
Evaluating any alterations in a personal fall arrest system and its safety.
Training employees to recognize fall hazards and follow safe work practices.
The Role and Responsibilities of the Competent
Person in Fall Protection

6. To better understand the compliance
requirements of OSHA’s Excavations
Standards, enroll employees in our OSHA
Competent Person for Excavation,
Trenching, and Shoring Training course
without delay.
For comprehensive training on OSHA Fall
Protection Standards, enroll in our OSHA
Competent Person for Fall Protection
Training course today!

7. Thank You
https://hazwoper-osha.com/