Even the best health and safety procedures are only effective if workers understand how to apply them.
That is why training and competence are key elements of the SSIP Core Criteria (see sections 3 and 4).
What assessors want to see
During an SSIP assessment, suppliers are asked to provide evidence that workers have the skills and knowledge required for their roles.
This may include:
- training records
- certificates or qualifications
- industry competence cards
- records of refresher training.
Keep records organised
A common difficulty for SMEs is that training has taken place but no formal records exist. Assessors need evidence, so it is important to keep clear documentation.
Many companies now maintain simple training matrices to track staff qualifications and renewal dates.
Consider the risks involved in your work
Training should relate directly to the activities your organisation performs. For example:
- working at height training
- manual handling
- equipment operation
- electrical safety awareness
- working with asbestos
- use of hazardous substances
- supervision.
In the next article, we will explore accident reporting and monitoring – another key indicator that organisations are actively managing health and safety performance.
