The OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ACT, 1993 , MHSA & CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS 2014 places duties on employers to be sure their workers are competent to safely operate equipment and/or safely perform the work they are employing them to execute. Employers must confirm that an individual is competent to do a task or operate a machine.
This is particularly important for activities that may result in an injury due to the nature of the task i.e. high risk work, confined spaces, working at height, mobile plant operations etc.
“5. (1) To the extent that it is reasonably practicable, every manager must provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of employees. (2) To the extent that it is reasonably practicable, every manager must – (a) identify the relevant hazards and assess the related risks to which persons who are not employees may be exposed; “
The fact that a worker holds a licence or a national proficiency to operate equipment or perform work does not mean they are deemed competent indefinitely. Holding a licence or national proficiency indicates that on a particular date an individual knew how to safely operate that equipment or safely perform that work.
SO WHAT IS PROFICIENCY?
Proficiency is the capability to apply or use the set of related knowledge, skills, and abilities required to success-fully perform ‘critical work functions’ or tasks in a defined work setting.
Competence is a measure of both proven skills and proven knowledge.
A WORKER’S PROFICIENCY MAY DIMINISH FOR A RANGE OF REASONS. IT MAY BE:
- the worker has not performed the work for a lengthy period of time; or
- the work environment has changed and the worker is not familiar with the different surroundings; or
- the plant or equipment has been replaced and the controls are different to what the worker is accustomed to; or
- the worker experienced a near miss situation and their confidence has been affected; or
- deterioration of vision or hearing or, other health related issues could affect their ability to perform the work; or
- any number of other factors may apply.
BENEFITS OF PROFICIENCY VERIFICATION
- Reduce exposure with regards to legal liability
- Evidence of knowledge
- Evidence of understanding
- Focused on the individual
- An auditable trail of evidence
- Proof of competence
- Reduce Business Risk by association
- Improve productivity
- Link to Social Labour Plan (Mines) – Community Development
- Balanced Scorecard Improvement
- Social Upliftment & Community Development /
- Enterprise & Supplier Development
SOME OF THE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENTS THAT CAN BE COMPLETED AT OUR SITE:
- Hand Tools
- Power tools—Grinders etc.
- Scaffolding Inspectors
- Oxy Acetylene Cutting
- Oxy Gas
- Working at Heights
- Confined Space Entry
- Trades