What is a Competent Person with Fall Protection?

Working at heights is one of the most dangerous activities in construction and general industry. Falls remain one of OSHA’s “Fatal Four” causes of workplace deaths, making fall protection a top priority for every employer. But fall protection doesn’t just mean having the right harnesses and anchor points—it requires the right people overseeing safety.

That’s where the role of the Competent Person comes in.

OSHA’s Definition of a Competent Person

According to OSHA (29 CFR 1926.32(f)), a Competent Person is:

“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.”

In simple terms, this means a competent person must:

• Recognize hazards – including both obvious and predictable risks.

• Have knowledge – the training and experience to understand unsafe conditions.

• Have authority – the power to stop work and correct hazards immediately.

The Competent Person in Fall Protection

When it comes to fall protection, the competent person takes on critical responsibilities, such as:

1. Spotting Fall Hazards

• Unprotected edges, holes, and skylights.

• Slippery or unstable working surfaces.

• Missing or incorrect guardrails, harnesses, or safety nets.

• Improper anchor points, lanyards, or lifelines.

2. Inspecting Equipment

• Harnesses, connectors, and lifelines for wear or damage.

• Anchor points for proper strength and placement.

• Overall fall protection systems for compliance with OSHA and ANSI standards.

3. Taking Immediate Action

• Stopping unsafe work.

• Replacing faulty equipment.

• Ensuring rescue and emergency procedures are in place.

4. Training & Communicating

• Making sure workers understand fall hazards.

• Teaching proper use of fall protection equipment.

• Reinforcing safe practices on the job site.

Competent vs. Qualified vs. Authorized Person

OSHA distinguishes between three important roles:

• Competent Person – Identifies hazards and has the authority to fix them.

• Qualified Person – Has specialized knowledge or certification to design systems.

• Authorized Person – A worker permitted to use fall protection systems.

👉 A competent person is often the bridge between management and workers—ensuring the system designed by the qualified person is used correctly by the authorized workers.

Why This Role Matters

Without a true competent person on site, companies face:

• Increased risk of preventable falls.

• Improperly used or damaged equipment in service.

• Delayed response to emergencies.

• OSHA violations, fines, and liability exposure.

Simply put: fall protection is only as strong as the competent person overseeing it.

Best Practices for Employers

To stay compliant and safe, employers should:

• Designate a competent person for every project involving fall hazards.

• Provide training in OSHA and ANSI fall protection standards.

• Give authority to stop unsafe work and make corrections.

• Equip them with proper tools and resources.

• Review regularly as job sites and hazards change.

Final Thoughts

A Competent Person with fall protection is more than a title—it’s a responsibility that saves lives. They are the ones ensuring equipment is safe, workers are trained, and hazards are controlled before tragedy strikes.

At Parker Safety Training, we specialize in teaching fall protection courses that help employers meet OSHA standards and prepare individuals to take on the role of a competent person.

👉 Ready to train your team? Contact us today to schedule a fall protection class.