How competent is competent?

Posted on December 18, 2013

The HSE announced in 2012 that their focus on Major Accident Hazard Sites has shifted from work at height to competency.  Whilst this only affects specified sites, we are now seeing an increase in the testing of competency on all other sites; including the construction industry.

Before this announcement, competency was always implied; i.e. they would inspect your site and if it was safe they could assume that the site management was competent.  However, now they will specifically check up on management and skilled staff where necessary; to determine that they not only have experience, but that they have the qualifications to back it up.

This may become a larger problem for some, for example; a site manager can quite easily be replaced, inducing a simple fee for intervention.  But if the failure was found in an environment where all staff needed to be trained in specified areas (such as an engineering workshop); a full HSE Safety Audit would be required . . . and will come with a hefty bill, since all HSE work is carried out at the other party’s expense!

How can you avoid this?  The simple answer is to keep a close eye on your training matrix, ensuring that all refresher training is taking place and thus ensuring employees are not sent to do jobs that they aren’t qualified for.

Lastly, don’t forget that on-the-job training is crucial; simple toolbox talks go a long way with the HSE.