Accreditation Overview
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The industrial safety world is primarily concerned with preventing injuries to employees caused through their workplace activities. To this end there is considerable legislation (Health & Safety at Work acts, COSHH regulations etc) to enforce correct procedures and actions by employers in order to avoid or protect against hazardous situations. Additionally the employees have a duty of care to act responsibly in protecting themselves and their fellow work colleagues. All of this is ‘policed’ by the Health & Safety Executive to ensure compliance for the safety of employees and the wider public. A comprehensive and effective set of policies.
Whilst many companies directly employ Safety Professionals, who are specialist in their own type of operation, many more rely upon ‘consultants’ to advise them. This is particularly pertinent in specialist areas, such as RPE Fit Test Provision, Specialist working at height provision, confined space etc.
However, when buying in Safety Consultancy, how can the inexperienced purchaser be sure the company or individual they contract in, is competent to fulfil the task? Particularly with Safety, where lives and injury are at stake, this must be a very important consideration.
Naturally, safety qualifications are a good indicator. Proof that at some stage, the individual understood the academic function of that activity and was able to communicate this in a examination / theoretical manner. However, does this prove they can put that theory into practice or their knowledge is current, encompassing latest technology and experience? What if the qualification was achieved 25 years ago, how well does that relate to current situations?
Another competence test often used is references and previous consultancy projects. Again good indications of competency and the ability to put into practice the required skills. However is this their best ever work or the standard they always achieve? Is it independently verified and does it closely meet your situation and needs.
So the nub is, can they actually do what they claim, because an error of judgement in selecting the right help in Safety could create more serious damage than just financial loss!
How can you verify their competence?
The British Safety Industry Federation, in co-operation with the Health & Safety executive, have started to work on a scheme to independently assess Respiratory Fit Test Providers to confirm both their knowledge and competence in carrying out this vital function. The intention (like Corgi Gas Fitters) is to accredit those professionals who meet an expected level of competence and regularly reassess them ‘in the field’ to ensure ongoing capability.
In this way you can be more sure an accredited service provider is competent at their task. No more ‘I hope so’, no more ‘he tells me he can’. Independently and regularly assessed & Accredited . A little surety in a Safer world.