According to OSHA, a competent person is someone who can identify or predict hazards and has authority to correct them.

• A. Can identify hazards only
• B. Has authority to correct hazards only
• C. Both Can identify hazards and Has authority to correct them
• D. Trains others

Answer: (C)

The essential idea being tested is that a competent person must both recognize hazards and have the authority to fix them. OSHA defines a competent person as someone who can identify existing or foreseeable hazards in the work area and has the authority to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. This combination ensures hazards are addressed on the spot rather than waiting for someone else to act. If someone can only identify hazards but can’t authorize corrective action, or can only correct hazards without the ability to identify them, they wouldn’t meet the full definition. Trains others isn’t part of what defines a competent person in this context. Therefore, the best choice is the one that includes both identifying hazards and having the authority to correct them.