Who is capable of identifying predictable hazards in the working conditions?

A competent employee is someone who has the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to recognize and address hazards in the workplace effectively. This term is typically used in occupational safety contexts to designate individuals who can not only identify hazards but also understand how to mitigate risks associated with those hazards.

Being a competent employee means that the person is trained and knowledgeable about the specific environment in which they work, including the potential risks involved in their tasks. They can assess the working conditions and foresee issues that might arise, allowing for proactive management of safety concerns.

In this scenario, while safety inspectors, health officers, and construction managers may play important roles in maintaining workplace safety, it is the competent employee on the ground who is recognized for their ability to identify hazards based on direct experience and training in their specific job functions. This distinction is crucial, as effective hazard identification often relies on firsthand knowledge of the tasks and the environment in which they are performed.