A recent heralth and safety case involved 17-year old Aaron Maguire having fingers amputated on a circular saw, whilst studying at Reaseheath College, in Nantwich. One of the root causes was a lack or training on the machine.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czr8d0rexevo.amp

The picture behind the blog title is of a cros-saw somewhere in Norwich, that also removed two finders from an employee's left hand, for which we helped support the employer in their difficult interactions with the HSE.

The lessons? Well, the regulations* require "adequate training". IMHO, this is leading the horse to water. "Competence" goes beyond training, and is the demonstration of the skill in using the machine safely, the attitude towards this and also medical fitnes. An assessment of competence is a far better approach that training record.

Also, the Regulations** do quite clearly require that people using dangerous work equipment are duly authorised to do so, which can tie in quite well with the assessment of competence.

As always, if you need some help with a system of competence assessment, our contact details are below!

Richard

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, *Reg 9, "Training" and ** Reg 7, "Specific Risks"