Competency Requirements Under Scrutiny Amid Rise in Plant-Related Incidents
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a formal reminder to construction employers on the importance of ensuring plant operators are properly trained, qualified, and competent, following a recent rise in incidents involving excavators, telehandlers, and other heavy equipment. As reported in a new HSE statement, too many sites are still relying on outdated in-house training or undocumented experience, without verifying skills through formal assessments or recognised card schemes.
This renewed focus reinforces the legal duties placed on employers under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), alongside broader obligations under HASAWA 1974.
What Employers Must Do to Ensure Compliance
HSE is clear that simply issuing a toolbox talk or providing minimal practical instruction is no longer acceptable. Employers are expected to:
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Ensure all plant operators hold valid CPCS or NPORS cards, supported by formal qualifications
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Confirm operators have been assessed in the equipment type and category they use
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Conduct ongoing supervision and refresher training as plant and site conditions evolve
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Document all training, competence assessments, and supervision procedures
Inadequate training not only increases the risk of accidents but also opens businesses to prosecution and enforcement notices.
Supporting Competence with NVQs
The most reliable and widely recognised way to confirm plant operator competence is through a formal Level 2 NVQ in Plant Operations, which can lead to a CPCS Blue Card or a CSCS/NPORS Competent Operator Card. NVQs offered by All Star Safety include:
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360 Excavator (Tracked or Wheeled)
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Forward Tipping Dumper
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Ride-on Roller
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Telehandler
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Lifting with Plant Machinery
These qualifications are delivered through on-site observation and portfolio assessment using the Quals Direct platform, with full support from a dedicated assessor.
How All Star Safety Can Help
✔ National NVQ coverage for plant and lifting operations
✔ Support with CPCS/NPORS card applications and renewals
✔ Health and safety consultancy for compliance with PUWER and LOLER
✔ Site audits and workforce competency reviews to prepare for inspections
Contact us to see how we can assist you in staying safe and compliant.
📞 0330 133 0402
📞 01473 561 402
📩 info@allstarsafety.co.uk