Sustainable EHS Consulting provides health and safety competent person services for your business whether in person, remotely or a combination of both.
A competent person in health and safety is an individual who possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to effectively manage health and safety risks within a workplace. This designation is critical for ensuring that organisations comply with relevant regulations and standards while also safeguarding the well-being of employees and stakeholders.
Why do You need a competent person?
By law, organisations require a ‘competent person’ to advise on steps required to comply with health and safety law. Depending on the nature and complexity of the business, the number of competent persons may vary.
The Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 states that every employer shall “appoint one or more competent persons to assist him in undertaking the measures he needs to take to comply with the requirements.”
Most business owners are not health and safety specialists hence they need to appoint somebody to assist them in managing health and safety in their workplace.
Who should you look for? What are the main attributes of a competent person?
Key attributes of a competent person in health and safety include:
Expertise: A competent person has a comprehensive understanding of health and safety laws, regulations, and best practices relevant to their industry. They are well-versed in risk assessment methodologies, hazard identification techniques, and control measures to mitigate workplace hazards effectively.
Experience: They typically have practical experience in managing health and safety within diverse work environments. This experience allows them to anticipate potential risks, implement preventive measures, and respond effectively to emergencies or incidents.
Continuous Learning: A competent person stays abreast of developments in health and safety regulations, technologies, and methodologies. They actively seek out opportunities for professional development and training to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Communication: Effective communication is essential for a competent person in health and safety. They must be able to convey safety policies, procedures, and training effectively to employees at all levels of the organization. They also facilitate open dialogue regarding safety concerns and encourage a culture of reporting and accountability.
Leadership: A competent person demonstrates strong leadership qualities, inspiring confidence and trust among their colleagues. They lead by example, championing a proactive approach to safety and motivating others to prioritize health and safety in their daily activities.
Problem-Solving: They are adept at identifying, analyzing, and resolving health and safety issues proactively. They have the ability to think critically and creatively to develop practical solutions that balance safety requirements with operational needs.
Compliance: A competent person ensures that the organization complies with relevant health and safety legislation, standards, and guidelines. They conduct regular audits, inspections, and assessments to assess compliance levels and address any areas of non-compliance promptly.
Contact us to discuss Competent Health & Safety Person services.
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