The OSHA Construction Standard defines a competent person as “someone who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions that are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.” But how can a drilling company identify their competent person and ensure they are appointed accordingly?  

Here are the top 5 qualities a competent person must have for safety and success in drilling projects:  

1. Knowledge of Applicable Standards: The first quality that defines a competent person is their ability to recognize and adhere to OSHA standards that are relevant to the job site. This includes standards related to equipment safety, fall protection, trench and excavation work, and any other task that must be performed by a drilling professional.

   When looking for a competent person, you must find the one on your team that regularly ensures the rest of your crew is safe and abiding by OSHA standards in their day-to-day practices. This person is likely already respected and seen as a voice of authority for safety making the transition to appointed competent person run smoothly.

2. Hazard Identification Skills: Similarly, a competent person will be able to predict and identify potential hazards before near-miss events or incidences ever occur. Look at your team and the dynamics they currently have on job sites.

   Is there one person that stands out as a leader? Do they speak up when the work environment is unsafe and fix these problems before continuing? If so, they are likely the person you should be choosing as your competent person.

3. Corrective Action Authority: Although this is more aligned with the role of an actual competent person, to identify who should be the competent person on your team, you will want to pay attention to the members of your team that speak up and are actually listened to by the rest of your team as a leader. By choosing a natural leader, you can ensure that their authority when taking immediate corrective measures will be respected by your team.

4. Communication Skills: Communication plays a major role when serving as a competent person on a drilling job site. Without effective verbal and written communication skills, your competent person will be unable to provide effective training and education which is part of what makes this role on your team so invaluable.

   After all, knowing the current standards and regulations is one thing but it takes a true leader to keep training and educating as things change over time to ensure your team is always up-to-date in their day-to-day practices in the field.

5. Leadership Qualities: The final element of a great competent person is that they are a leader in every aspect of the job. The ideal candidate will be able to evaluate and control hazards, interpret and apply data to remove bottlenecks and predict dangerous practices, and be able to resolve conflicts and motivate/calm your team even on stressful or tiring projects.

   Communicate openly with your team and identify who they think is a strong leader they respect on the job site.”

   To find this person on your team, your best bet is simply to communicate openly with your team and identify who they think is a strong leader they respect on the job site. In most cases, your crew will appoint the right person naturally which saves you time looking at every driller on your projects and helps you to easily identify the competent person that’s going to be respected and have the most positive effect on your operations.  

All in all, finding a competent person is truly finding the natural born leader in your team and trusting them to guide your projects to safety and success. This is where looking at the qualities above and trusting your crew to make the right choice is crucial. With the right competent person appointed, you can increase your success rates, decrease your incidences and near-misses, and keep your team motivated and safe each and every day.