A competent person in terms of safety is someone who possesses the skills, knowledge, and experience required to recognise risks and implement the necessary corrective actions to create a safe working environment. Depending on the industry and workplace, a competent person’s duties and responsibilities in respect to safety may vary, however some common Responsibility include:

1. Recognising risks: A competent individual should be able to recognise potential workplace risks and evaluate the risk attached to each risk.

2. Assessing risks: A competent individual should assess the dangers posed by each hazard and choose the best ways to lessen or eliminate them.

3. Creating and putting into practise safety policies and procedures: The qualified individual should create and put into practise safety policies and procedures that address the workplace hazards. Workers should be informed of these rules and procedures, which should also be routinely reviewed and amended as appropriate.

4. Workers should be properly trained on job risks and how to use safety equipment, according to the competent person.

5. routinely inspecting and maintaining safety equipment: To make sure that the equipment is in excellent working condition and capable of offering necessary protection, the competent person should routinely inspect and maintain it.

7. Reporting and recordkeeping: The qualified individual must retain complete records of all safety inspections, incidents, and training sessions. Additionally, they must inform management and regulatory organisations of any occurrences or dangers as required by law.


Overall, a safe workplace and worker protection depend on the duties and responsibilities of a competent person in respect to safety. The competent individual should be knowledgeable of the risks that exist at work and have the power to take action to reduce such risks.