What is primarily assessed when determining if a person is a competent worker?

The assessment of whether a person is a competent worker puts significant emphasis on their capacity to identify and correct hazards. This focus is rooted in the importance of maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. Competent workers are expected to not only perform their tasks effectively but also to recognize potential risks that could affect their safety and that of their colleagues. Identifying hazards is critical in preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, the ability to correct these hazards demonstrates proactive problem-solving skills and a commitment to workplace safety, which are essential attributes of a competent worker.

Other considerations, such as the ability to work alone or execute skills without supervision, may reflect a worker's independence or technical proficiency, but they do not capture the broader scope of competency that includes safety awareness. Similarly, authority to manage other workers pertains more to a leadership or supervisory role rather than the foundational competencies expected from every worker in a particular position. Thus, the correct answer highlights the crucial aspect of hazard identification and correction as key indicators of overall competence in the workplace.