At MSC Safety Solutions and the Colorado Crane Operator School we pride ourselves at being not only good at what we do but the best at what we do. We strive to deliver a quality product and training that is not just standard based but educates our students in how to work productively and safely.
“…safety is not something that is enforced, safety is a byproduct of training.”
We value experience, knowledge, and training. We want to ensure you are hiring Competent and Qualified Trainers. Remember, safety is not something that is enforced, safety is a byproduct of training. We have members of the workforce come to us all the time and say they want to move into safety, but are they qualified? I wish training students in how to work safely was an easy job but, it’s not. It takes experience, self study, and a lot of training to be knowledgeable. Having certifications, degrees, or letters behind your name is not the answer either. It’s a balance that includes all of the above.
There are many Trainers who are not qualified to train but because you are willing to pay for it, they are willing to deliver what they can, as best as they can, we hope. Remember, as my Grandfather use to say, you get what you paid for….
OSHA has set standards and minimum requirements to become an Authorized Instructor/Trainer for OSHA 10 and 30 Hour training, but it doesn’t stop there. For example, under 1926.503 Subpart M, Fall Protection, OSHA states:
OSHA has set standards and minimum requirements to become an Authorized Instructor/Trainer for OSHA 10 and 30 Hour training, but it doesn’t stop there. For example, under 1926.503 Subpart M, Fall Protection, OSHA states:
1926.503(a)(2)
The employer shall assure that each employee has been trained, as necessary, by a competent person qualified in the following areas:
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The nature of fall hazards in the work area;
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The correct procedures for erecting, maintaining, disassembling, and inspecting the fall protection systems to be used;
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The use and operation of guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, safety net systems, warning line systems, safety monitoring systems, controlled access zones, and other protection to be used;
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The role of each employee in the safety monitoring system when this system is used;
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The limitations on the use of mechanical equipment during the performance of roofing work on low-sloped roofs;
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The correct procedures for the handling and storage of equipment and materials and the erection of overhead protection; and
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The role of employees in fall protection plans;
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The standards contained in this subpart.
Many believe this is a list of subjects that must be taught but, it is not. This informs the employer that his/her Trainer must be a Competent Person who is Qualified in the subject matter. This brings us to the definition of Qualified Person:
A qualified person is defined by OSHA as one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.
“…20 years experience in the industry and extensive knowledge…”
We understand that your Trainer does not have to be a Qualified Person but this person must be qualified in the subject matter. Our Safety Consultants all have a minimum of 20 years experience in the industry and extensive knowledge in: Heavy Civil, Demo and Abatement, Steel Erection, Glasers, Crane Operation, General Contractor management, Trade Contractor management, creating safety culture, and much, much, more.
Does your Trainer have the knowledge, training, and most importantly the experience to train your people in not only what the standard states, but how to work safely and productively? Does your Trainer have a firm understanding of Adult Learning Technics. If challenged, will your training hold up in front of OSHA or during a legal proceeding?
Don’t wait until it is too late to provide quality training to your people, after all, if it wasn’t for them, you wouldn’t be in business.
