Title: Inspections, Documentation & Enforcement
Type: Lesson
A competent person must perform routine inspections and respond to changing conditions. This ensures:
Hazards are identified early
Safety controls are in place
The crew is working under safe conditions
Inspections should occur:
Before the shift starts
After any changes (weather, layout, task)
Immediately after an incident or near miss
Work areas (walkways, access points, ground conditions)
Protective systems (railings, trench boxes, nets, PPE)
Scaffolding, ladders, lifts, and platforms
Fall protection anchors and gear
Excavations (depth, soil, support)
Electrical cords, panels, lockout tags
If it’s damaged, defective, or missing — take it out of service immediately.
As the competent person, you may be expected to:
Fill out inspection checklists
Note corrective actions taken
Record crew safety talks or briefings
Track training and PPE assignments
Log hazards reported or resolved
If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen — especially in an OSHA inspection.
As the competent person, you must:
Enforce all safety rules consistently
Correct unsafe behaviors on the spot
Support a speak-up culture
Hold others accountable, even if they outrank you
You’re not just a safety observer — you’re a safety enforcer.
Competent persons are OSHA’s eyes and ears on the jobsite. Your inspections and enforcement can prevent injuries, citations, and fatalities — but only if you act consistently and document your efforts.
Click “Mark Complete” to continue to Lesson 6: Competent Person by Task, where we’ll explore key requirements for specific jobsite operations.