How to Identify and Train Competent Persons in Your Organisation

Ensuring workplace safety is a top priority for any organisation, and a crucial component of maintaining a safe working environment is having competent persons in place. A competent person is someone who has the necessary knowledge, experience, and authority to identify hazards and take corrective measures to prevent accidents. But how do you identify and develop these individuals within your organisation?

In this blog, we will look at strategies for recognising potential competent persons and supporting their development to help you manage your health and safety efforts in-house.

In the context of health and safety, a competent person is defined as someone who has the appropriate training, experience, and knowledge to perform specific tasks safely and efficiently. They must also have the authority to make decisions and take action to address safety concerns. According to UK regulations, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, it is an employer’s duty to ensure that competent persons are appointed to help manage health and safety risks within the workplace.

A competent person is someone who has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities that allow them to assist you properly.
Health and Safety Executive

Identifying individuals who have the potential to be competent persons requires careful consideration. Not every employee is suited for this role, as it requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and the right attitude towards safety. Here are some key characteristics to look for:

1. Relevant Knowledge and Expertise: Look for individuals who have a solid understanding of the specific hazards and safety protocols within your industry. They should have hands-on experience in recognising risks and understanding the regulatory requirements related to health and safety.
2. Experience and Practical Skills: Competent persons must have practical experience in the workplace. This experience allows them to understand how safety regulations apply in real-world situations and how to implement safety measures effectively.
3. Strong Communication Skills: A competent person must be able to communicate safety protocols and concerns clearly to all levels of the organisation. They should be able to engage with both management and employees, ensuring that safety messages are understood and followed.
4. Leadership and Authority: Competent persons must be capable of taking charge in safety-related situations. They need to have the confidence and authority to make decisions and enforce safety protocols, even when it may be challenging or unpopular.
5. Commitment to Continuous Learning: The field of health and safety is constantly evolving, with new regulations, technologies, and best practices emerging. Potential competent persons should demonstrate a commitment to staying updated on the latest developments and continually improving their skills.

Once you have identified potential competent persons within your organisation, it’s essential to provide them with the right training and development opportunities to fulfil their roles effectively. Here’s how to support them:

1. Provide Formal Training: Invest in accredited health and safety training to provide a strong foundation in safety management, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance.
2. Encourage Hands-On Learning: Competent persons need practical experience to complement their training. Encourage them to participate in on-the-job learning, such as conducting risk assessments and responding to safety incidents. This hands-on experience helps to reinforce their knowledge and build confidence in applying safety measures.
3. Mentorship and Support: Pair potential competent persons with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and share their expertise. Mentoring ensures the transfer of valuable knowledge and provides support for less experienced competent persons.
4. Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Encourage ongoing learning and development by providing access to CPD opportunities. This could include attending safety seminars, workshops, and conferences, as well as subscribing to industry journals and online courses. Staying current with the latest developments in health and safety and HSE news s vital for maintaining competency.
5. Give them Authority: Ensure that competent persons are given the authority to make decisions and enforce safety protocols within the organisation. Without the necessary authority, even the most knowledgeable and experienced individual will struggle to fulfil their role effectively. Make it clear that their decisions regarding safety carry weight and are supported by management.
6. Regular Assessments and Feedback: Competence is not a one-time achievement; it needs to be maintained. Regularly assess the performance of your competent persons through safety audits, employee feedback, and monitoring of incident rates. Provide constructive feedback and additional training where necessary to help them continue to develop their skills.

By identifying and fostering the continuuing professional development of your competent persons, you are investing in the long-term safety and well-being of your employees. Competent persons play a crucial role in:

• Reducing Accidents and Incidents: Trained and knowledgeable competent persons can identify potential hazards before they lead to accidents, helping to reduce workplace incidents.
• Ensuring Legal Compliance: Competent persons ensure that your organisation complies with health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of fines and legal action.
• Promoting a Safety Culture: When competent persons are empowered to lead by example, they help to foster a culture of safety throughout the organisation, where everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.

Identifying and developing competent persons is an essential part of maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. By focusing on the right mix of knowledge, experience, communication skills, and leadership, you can cultivate individuals who will play a vital role in safeguarding your employees and ensuring your organisation meets its health and safety obligations. Supporting their development through formal training, hands-on experience, and continuous professional growth will not only benefit the individuals in these roles but will also strengthen your organisation’s overall approach to health and safety.

Investing in competent persons is ultimately an investment in the safety and success of your organisation.

Our accredited Health and Safety Management Course provides an excellent starting point for a person to operate as the Competent Person in your workplace.