A(n) _____ person is capable of identifying predictable hazards.

A competent person is defined as someone who has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to identify and mitigate predictable hazards in a work environment. This individual's understanding goes beyond mere familiarity with the job tasks; it includes the ability to recognize potential hazards that might not be immediately obvious. Competence usually comes from a combination of formal training, practical experience, and a thorough understanding of safety regulations and best practices.

In terms of the other options, while an experienced person may have the practical knowledge required to spot certain hazards, they may not necessarily have been trained to identify all potential risks in a given context. A qualified person typically refers to someone who meets specific training or certification criteria, which may cover certain hazards but doesn't guarantee the broad, situational awareness needed. An authorized person is often someone who has been given the authority to perform specific tasks, but this does not inherently involve the skills to identify hazards. Thus, "competent" is the most complete and direct choice for someone who not only recognizes hazards but can also take appropriate actions to address them.