Key actions in capability and effective health and safety training

Leaders

Provide resources to enable training to take place. Ensure that sufficient time is given for training
Ensure that a system is in place that provides assurance that workers and managers involved in safety-related work remain competent
Make sure that contingency plans are in place. What would happen if a key member of staff were to suddenly leave the organisation?
Ensure that your organisation has access to competent health and safety advice. This may be through a trained in-house adviser, or a competent external consultant - find a consultant
Demonstrate personal compliance with health and safety training. Workers will follow your example

Decide if training is necessary. Think about the job, the person who carries it out, the processes and equipment required
Remember that contractors will need to be trained
Ensure there is a system in place to identify training needs during recruitment and when there are changes of staff, plant, processes, substances or technology
Find out which specific training you must provide by law, such as for operating forklift trucks
Prioritise training needs
Decide the format that training will take, for example:
- formal course coaching
- informal, ‘on the job’ training
- written instructions
- online information
- simply telling someone what to do
Remember that additional arrangements may be necessary for those whose first language may not be English, or those with low levels of literacy
If the task is new, can you learn from other organisations?
How will you make sure workers receive refresher training?
Newly trained workers should receive close supervision to ensure that they are competent in carrying out their duties

How will training records be kept?
Monitor learning outcomes and training methods
Review training material regularly to ensure that it remains current
Consider remedial training if lack of competence is identified as the cause of an incident
Gather feedback on training
Decide whether the training delivered its objectives. Consider whether there have been any improvements following the training - if not, initiate changes

You must consult workers or their representatives during the planning and organising of training
Appointed safety representatives have paid time to carry out their functions, and to have training in those functions

Ensure that training material or information comes from a reliable source and that the person carrying out the training is competent to do so
If training is outsourced, make sure the trainer has a good understanding of your organisation and its requirements
Decide how the organisation will keep up to date with changes in legislation and methods of risk control
Remember that competence levels will drop if skills are not used on a regular basis - schedule refresher training at regular intervals
Simulation exercises and drills will be required for some high-risk activities, eg control room operators’ full-site emergency exercises
Don’t assume that workers will be competent following a course or instruction - check
Review your employees’ capabilities and provide additional or refresher training if needed