Competent Person Designation
Written designation of competent person for excavation, scaffolding, or fall protection.
What this document is
This document is a written designation that officially names an employee as the competent person for specific construction activities. It creates a clear record that satisfies regulatory requirements and helps everyone on the job know who holds that responsibility.
The regulation that requires it
29 CFR 1926.32(f) defines a competent person as someone who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures. The rule requires employers to designate such a person for activities including excavation, scaffolding, and fall protection. Federal OSHA and Cal/OSHA both enforce this requirement through their construction standards. In California the parallel requirement appears in Title 8 CCR sections that adopt and supplement the federal rule.
Who needs it
General contractors, subcontractors, and any employer with employees exposed to excavation, scaffolding, or fall protection hazards need this designation. The form applies to trades such as carpenters, laborers, equipment operators, and site supervisors. It is required on every covered job in California and in all other states under federal OSHA jurisdiction.
What happens without it
Inspectors routinely check for competent-person documentation during site visits. Lack of a written designation can result in a serious citation with penalties in the current OSHA range for serious violations. Willful or repeat violations carry significantly higher penalties. Multi-employer worksites increase the chance that the controlling contractor and each subcontractor may receive citations.
What's included in the generated document
- Company name and address
- Designated competent person's name and title
- Specific duties covered (excavation, scaffolding, fall protection)
- Signature of authorizing manager and date
- Reference to 29 CFR 1926.32(f) and applicable Title 8 sections
How to implement it at your company
- Talk to Guy first. Describe your operation, trade, and location — Guy draws from 300,000+ verified OSHA and state regulatory citations to build a compliance plan specific to your company. Your answers shape every section of the document you receive. Takes about 10 minutes.
- Download and open the PDF.
- Fill in the company information and the name of the selected competent person.
- Have a manager with authority sign and date the form.
- Provide a copy to the designated person and post or keep it on site.
- Update the form whenever the designated person or scope of work changes.