All workplaces need to employ one or more competent persons to ensure the identification, assessment and mitigation of occupational hazards, thereby protecting the well-being of employees.
Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999, specifies the need for expertise and details the importance of appointing competent individuals to ensure that occupational health and safety measures are managed effectively. All employers are required to appoint one or more competent persons to aid their business with relevant statutory compliance and to better identify and control workplace hazards. Where is reasonably practicable, a competent person should be appointed from within an organisation, however if the basic requirements cannot be met internally then external persons are allowed. Although there is emphasis on the competent persons, the employer still has the responsibility to provide said person with access to relevant information, to ensure cooperation and collaboration, especially if there are multiple competent persons or when they are sourced externally.
What is a competent person?
A competent person must have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to effectively manage health and safety duties within an organisation. A competent person has:
Skills and Knowledge: they must understand occupational health and safety law, being familiar with specific hazards and risks presented in the workplace and the industry standards for controlling those risks.
Experience: they must have practical experience in managing risk, including conducting risk assessments, implementing control measures and responding to incidents/accidents.
Training: although formal training is not a legal requirement, certifications in health and safety management (with the likes of IOSH and NEBOSH) demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of legal requirements and best practices.
Access to information: they must have the right and authority to access relevant information, resources and support from an organisation to effectively carry out their duties.
Adequate time: they must be able to provide a sufficient amount of time and attention to fulfil their functions.
Continuing Development: they must keep their knowledge up to date and their skills relevant as competency is perpetual.
Awareness of limitations: they must be able to recognise the gaps in their knowledge and expertise to address the limitations through training or additional help.
What we can do to help
Whether you require an external competent person, or if your competent person needs a little extra help, we can provide a support service to meet your needs here at Capital. We offer bespoke solutions, to supply our expertise in the areas your competent persons might be lacking. Some of our ad hoc consultancy services include advice and support, incident investigation, practical work like fire door surveys and fire risk assessments and much more. Whether you need one off help or a reoccurring service, our consultants are here to help.
We also offer full spectrum organisational development services, offering clients retained partnerships which appoint one of our consultants as your competent person. Our consultants hold expert qualifications accredited by NEBOSH and IOSH, ensuring upmost competency and specialist knowledge. We can collaborate with you to tailor make a personalised action plan, recognising areas for improvement, setting timescales for training and assessments, reviewing company policies and monitoring performance to ensure your organisation is complying with best practice. This arrangement ensures regulatory compliance, proactive risk management, continuous employee training, and strategic planning, all while being cost-effective and providing consistent access to expert advice. Our retained partnerships are completely customisable, with price being dependant on the level of involvement you desire.
Overall, regulation 7 underscores the need for expertise and adequate support to maintain a safe working environment.
A partnership with us ensures you are fulfilling your legal requirement to appoint a competent person.
