OSHA Competent Person Training Online

Our online competent person training courses prepare you to serve as a designated competent person in your workplace to identify, control and correct specific hazards.

These courses provide a thorough examination of workplace hazards, including both obvious hazards and subtle hazards that might otherwise be overlooked. They will teach you to identify appropriate controls to eliminate or minimize those hazards.

In addition to technical knowledge, competent person training teaches communication and leadership skills that will help you provide proper training to workers and lead by example to demonstrate safe work practices.

Each course covers unique workplace hazards, but all our training courses offer convenient benefits like:

• 100% online format
• Audio narration
• Real-world case studies
• Interactive exercises
• Instant certificate download

Our courses are available completely online. You can complete all of our competent person courses from any internet-connected device, including laptops, tablets and phones. Start and stop whenever you want. Progress is saved automatically as you master lesson material. Train at your pace to become an OSHA-compliant competent person.

According to 29 CFR 1926.32(f), 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 authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”

If you want to become a competent person or have been designated as a competent person by your employer, you need OSHA-compliant training for the hazards you will be required to manage. The type of training you need depends on the type of hazards you must identify, control and correct.

Competent person is a designation that covers many kinds of hazard mitigation and related training programs. It would be impossible for one course to cover every possible workplace hazard, so OSHA created more than 30 standards governing competent persons across four broad categories: general industry, maritime, gear certification and construction.

Each of our competent person training courses focuses on specific hazard needs within those standards. Individual courses focus on one area of expertise to provide you with the comprehensive knowledge you need to identify and mitigate the hazards present in your workplace.

Competent Person: Fall Protection training prepares you to prevent serious injury or death from falling hazards, the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the construction industry. Using the standards found in OSHA 1926 Subpart M, this course prepares you to:

• Define competent persons and explain their importance
• Explain the standards and regulations related to fall protection, including OSHA standards and industry best practices
• Identify existing and predictable hazards in working conditions
• Outline the skills and abilities required to act as a competent person
• Describe effective communication skills and provide guidance on fall protection

Competent Person: Scaffolding training explores the types of scaffolding found in the workplace, including their unique parts, uses and structural safety needs. Following the guidelines provided in OSHA 1926 Subpart L, this course prepares you to:

• Define a competent person and explain their importance in construction safety
• Explain OSHA standards for scaffolding systems, including regulations and best practices
• Identify common scaffolding hazards and appropriate corrective measures
• Outline the skills and abilities needed to be a successful OSHA competent person
• Communicate scaffolding hazards to coworkers, managers and others

Competent Person: Excavation & Trench training explores the hazards workers face during various digging operations. From replacing pipes and installing utilities to preparing a foundation, excavation presents unique dangers.

This course teaches OSHA 1926 Subpart P standards and prepares you to:

• Define the role of competent persons and explain why they are important
• Explain OSHA regulations related to excavations, including federal standards and industry best practices
• Identify common excavation hazards and appropriate corrective measures to reduce the risk of injury or death
• Outline the responsibilities and leadership skills required for a designated competent person
• Communicate safety needs and excavation hazards to coworkers, supervisors and managers

OSHA does not certify competent persons. There is no formal licensure for the role of OSHA-compliant competent person. Instead, competent person is a standard for hazard mitigation composed of several key requirements.

Knowledge

Competent persons must understand the safety hazards on their jobsite. That includes an understanding of common safety risks on the site, from operations and site layout to personnel and equipment. By taking relevant competent person training, a designated individual knows what to look for, where hazards are likely to occur and the steps necessary to mitigate them.

Authority

A competent person has the authority to take action to correct faults and prevent hazards. Some of this authority is derived from the employer, including the power to carry out necessary remediation activities. But part of that comes from the designated employee. Proper training equips competent persons to make safety decisions with confidence and carry them out successfully.

Leadership

A competent person does not work alone. Promoting a culture of safety and addressing workplace hazards requires excellent communication skills. Designated competent persons must be able to coordinate safety plans with employers and supervisors while providing safety training to workers on site. Completing an OSHA-compliant training course prepares a competent person to lead by example and effectively communicate about workplace hazards.

Competent Person Certificate of Completion

Our courses are compliant with the definitions of an OSHA competent person found in 29 CFR 1926.32(f). You will earn a certificate of completion at the end of your course.

This certificate demonstrates to employers that you can carry out the duties of a competent person for course-related hazards in your workplace. It serves as evidence that you have the knowledge and skills needed to identify, control and correct hazards within your area of expertise.

The role of competent person is designated by your employer. Under OSHA regulations, many jobsites and job functions require an employer-designated competent person to be present at all times. Our online competent person training courses prepare you to serve as the designated competent person in your workplace. If you would like to be designated as your site’s competent person, contact your employer for more information.