5 Tips for Boosting Workplace Safety with Verifications of Competence

Workplace accidents and fatalities can and do unfortunately happen, and often, the root cause is workers not having the right skills and knowledge to do the job safely. Verifications of competence (VOCs) are one of the most effective tools for maintaining workplace safety. A VOC confirms that an employee has the skills and knowledge needed to perform a task. And it helps businesses to reduce incidents, improve efficiency and boost compliance. 
Here are five tips to strengthen safety in your workplace using VOCs.

1. Make VOCs standard practice

Many workplaces rely on certifications and training records to assess their workers’ capabilities. However, completing a training course is no guarantee of competence. VOCs bridge the gap between training and competence by helping you determine whether workers can apply their knowledge safely and effectively in the real world. 
Conduct regular VOC assessments, and your people will remain skilled and competent, reducing the risk of errors that can lead to accidents.

2. Go digital for easy tracking

Do you use paper or spreadsheet-based competency checks and training records? We don’t need to tell you how time-consuming and difficult it can be to manage paper systems. 
It’s a different story with digital competency management software. Real-time tracking, automated reminders, centralised records, and anytime, -anywhere access simplify the whole process. Managers and supervisors can monitor worker competence more efficiently and ensure everyone meets safety standards. ​

3. Prioritise high-risk tasks

Not all tasks have the same level of risk. Working at heights, operating heavy machinery or handling hazardous materials are risky, dominating the statistics on workplace incidents. 
When it comes to VOCs, prioritising these high-risk activities helps prevent critical incidents. With a VOC, you can be confident workers carrying out these tasks have the right skills to mitigate risks.

4. Reassess competency regularly

Competency isn’t a static concept. Skills can change over time, regulations are revised, and new technology emerges. That’s why it’s essential to reassess VOCs regularly to ensure workers are up to date with best practices and industry standards. 
Digital platforms like CheckSafe make it easy to schedule and track re-verifications without adding to the admin burden for supervisors.

5. Promote a culture of continuous improvement

Encourage workers to see competency verification as a personal growth tool and not just a requirement. After all, workplace safety is about much more than compliance. So, refresher training, mentorship opportunities, and constructive feedback should be provided to promote continuous improvement and keep workers engaged in workplace safety.

Boosting safety with VOCs: Final thoughts

Reduce accidents, improve operational efficiencies and promote compliance by making VOCs standard practice in your business.
Digital tracking tools like CheckSafe make the process a whole lot easier, saving you time and hassle. Do away with outdated spreadsheets and paper-based systems. With CheckSafe, supervisors and managers have instant access to all the latest information needed to ensure a safer workplace. 
Ready to streamline competency verification in your business? Sign up for a free demo of CheckSafe today. ​