Understanding the Competent Person and Authorized Person
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the workplace, especially in construction and industrial settings. That's why fall protection training is so important—and why OSHA emphasizes two critical safety roles: the competent person and the authorized person.
If you're managing workers at height or responsible for safety on a job site, it's crucial to understand the difference between these roles and how they work together to prevent falls.
What Is a Competent Person?
A competent person is someone who has the knowledge, training, and authority to recognize fall hazards and take quick action to fix them. OSHA defines a competent person as someone “capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards... and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.”
In simpler terms, the competent person is the fall protection expert on site.
Responsibilities of a Competent Person:
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Identify fall hazards like unprotected edges, holes, or unsafe scaffolding.
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Select and oversee fall protection systems (guardrails, harnesses, anchors, etc.).
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Inspect equipment regularly to ensure it’s in good condition.
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Lead fall protection training for workers.
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Stop unsafe work immediately if a hazard is found.
The competent person plays a leadership role in keeping everyone safe while working at height.
What Is an Authorized Person?
An authorized person is someone who has been trained and approved by the employer to use fall protection systems and work in areas where fall hazards exist. This person doesn't need deep technical knowledge like the competent person, but must follow all safety rules and procedures.
Responsibilities of an Authorized Person:
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Use fall protection gear correctly (harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, etc.).
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Follow the fall protection training provided by the competent person.
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Work only in approved areas and according to safety procedures.
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Report damaged gear or unsafe conditions to a supervisor or competent person.
The authorized person is the one doing the actual work at heights, applying what they learned in their fall protection training.
Why Fall Protection Training Matters
Effective fall protection training is what connects both roles. It gives the competent person the tools to recognize risks and teach others, and it gives the authorized person the knowledge to work safely.
Training should include:
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How to properly wear and adjust harnesses
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How to connect to anchor points
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How to inspect equipment before each use
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Emergency procedures in case of a fall
Without proper fall protection training, even the best equipment won’t keep workers safe. That’s why OSHA requires that both competent persons and authorized persons are trained for their specific roles.
Competent Person vs. Authorized Person: What’s the Difference?
Here’s a quick comparison of the two roles:
| Role | Competent Person | Authorized Person |
|---|---|---|
| Training Level | Advanced—can identify hazards and train others | Basic—trained to use fall protection systems safely |
| Authority | Can stop work and fix safety issues | Can work at heights with proper fall protection gear |
| Main Task | Supervise, inspect, and enforce fall protection systems | Follow procedures and use equipment safely |
| OSHA Reference | Specifically required in many standards | Permitted to work in fall hazard areas after training |
Both roles are essential. The competent person leads the safety process, and the authorized person follows through with proper use.
Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re working on a commercial roof. The competent person checks the roof perimeter, sets up guardrails, installs anchor points, and ensures everyone receives fall protection training. Then, the authorized person uses that training to wear their harness correctly, clip in to the right anchor, and work safely along the edge.
This teamwork between competent and authorized persons is what creates a safe and compliant job site.
How Employers Can Get It Right
To build a strong fall protection program, employers should:
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Designate a competent person for each job site.
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Ensure that the competent person receives advanced fall protection training.
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Provide training for all employees who will work at height so they become authorized persons.
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Regularly review fall protection systems and procedures.
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Keep training updated and consistent with current OSHA standards.
Fall protection is not just about gear—it’s about having the right people in the right roles, backed by the right training.
When it comes to fall safety, understanding the difference between a competent person and an authorized person is key. The competent person sets the standard for safety by identifying hazards, enforcing procedures, and leading fall protection training. The authorized person applies that training to work safely at height using the proper equipment.
By clearly defining these roles and making fall protection training a priority, companies can reduce risk, stay compliant with OSHA regulations, and most importantly—save lives.
Remember: Equipment alone doesn’t prevent falls—trained people do.
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