Trained. Not competent. Now what?

Training is not the same as competency—and that gap is where incidents start.
In this short, John from Calgary Safety Consultants breaks down what “competent” means in practice and what leaders must be able to prove.

In this video you’ll learn:

  • Why training records and certificates do not prove safe performance
  • The legal concept of competency: qualified, trained, and experienced—able to work safely with minimal supervision
  • A fast, practical competency check you can use today: observe the task, ask two hazard-and-control questions, and document your sign-off
  • When to re-verify competency (changes in work, equipment, materials, site conditions, or risk)

Two quick questions to verify competency:

What are the top hazards on this task today?

What controls are you using to prevent them—step by step?

Need help building a defensible competency verification process, supervisor checks, and documentation?
Visit https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca

FAQs on Trained. Not competent. Now what?

Training shows a worker received instruction. Competency is proven performance—being able to do the job safely, consistently, and with minimal supervision.

Because enforcement and courts look for due diligence. If you cannot show the worker was assessed and verified as competent on the task, training records alone may not be enough.

 

In most Canadian OH&S contexts, a competent worker is qualified, trained, and experienced—and capable of performing the work safely with minimal supervision. (Always confirm the exact wording in your jurisdiction.)

 

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