1926.32(f): Competent person
Key takeaways
- 1926.32(f) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart C).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.32(f) ("Competent person") is one requirement inside 1926.32 Definitions, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart C). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(f) Competent person means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.32.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.32(f), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Gate Strength of Snaphooks and Carabiners (2017-08-31)
- Re: Application of OSHA's de minimis policy to the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.452(o)(3) and 29 CFR 1926.552(c)(1) - 1926.552(c)(4), 1926.552(c)(8), 1926.552(c)(13), 1926.552(c)(14)(i), and 1926.552(c)(16) regarding certain chimney construction work. (2007-02-08)
- Training requirements for powder-actuated tools under §1926.302(e). (2006-03-10)
- Requirements of 1926.404(b)(1) application to 208-volt branch circuits; electrical subcontractor requirements under 1926.404(b)(1) to monitor other on-site subcontractors. (2005-02-07)
- Identification, inspection, and marking of cranes when manufacturer-supplied identifications are unavailable. (2004-02-23)
- Clarification on several issues regarding OSHA's construction industry standards for fall protection (2003-12-18)
- Clarification of the terms "hole" versus "unprotected sides or edges." (2000-08-14)
- Aerial lifts and digger derricks used by utility companies. (1977-04-26)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.32 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.