How do you assess the competency of your lifting operators and supervisors?

1 Why competency matters

Competency is the ability to perform a task safely and effectively, according to the relevant standards and regulations. For lifting operations, competency is not only a legal requirement, but also a key factor in preventing accidents, injuries, and damages. A competent lifting operator or supervisor can plan, execute, and monitor lifting operations, identify and control hazards, use appropriate equipment and techniques, and communicate clearly with other team members.

2 How to assess competency

When assessing the competency of your lifting operators and supervisors, there are various methods and tools to consider, depending on the type, complexity, and frequency of your lifting operations. Written or oral tests can be used to evaluate the operators and supervisors’ knowledge of principles, procedures, and regulations, while practical tests or demonstrations can observe their skills and abilities. Performance reviews or feedback can measure the outcomes and results of the lifting operations, such as quality, efficiency, and safety. Audits or inspections are also necessary to check compliance with applicable standards and codes of practice.

3 How to improve competency

Continuously assessing the competency of your lifting operators and supervisors is essential for improvement. You should monitor their performance and progress to identify any gaps or areas of improvement. To do this, provide regular training and refresher courses to update their knowledge and skills on lifting operations. Additionally, implement a mentoring or coaching system to support and guide the operators and supervisors, especially the new or inexperienced ones. Furthermore, foster a culture of learning and feedback, where the operators and supervisors can share their experiences, challenges, and best practices with each other. Finally, recognize and reward the achievements and contributions of the operators and supervisors to motivate them to maintain or exceed their standards.

4 How to verify competency

Verifying the competency of your lifting operators and supervisors is an important step to guarantee they are qualified, certified, and authorized to handle lifting operations. It is essential to verify their competency before they begin working and periodically afterwards. Ways to verify the competency of your operators and supervisors include examining their credentials and records such as licenses, certificates, diplomas, or transcripts that demonstrate their education, training, and experience on lifting operations. Additionally, you can consult their references or previous employers who can provide evidence of their competency and performance on lifting operations. Furthermore, you can test their competency on site by asking them to perform a sample or simulated lifting task under your supervision or observation. Lastly, you can review their work history and portfolio which can illustrate their competency and achievements on lifting operations.

5 How to document competency

Documenting the competency of your lifting operators and supervisors is a critical component of managing the risks and liabilities of lifting operations. It should be done in a clear, accurate, and consistent way, and kept up-to-date and accessible. Doing so can provide evidence and proof of their competency and compliance with legal and contractual requirements; support the planning and allocation of resources and personnel for lifting operations; facilitate communication and coordination among stakeholders involved; and enhance accountability and transparency of the lifting operations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?