Competence, Training, and Awareness Requirements in OHSMS

An Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) aims to prevent work-related injuries, ill health, and fatalities by managing risks systematically. While procedures, controls, and policies are essential components, the effectiveness of an OHSMS largely depends on the people who implement it. Competence, training, and awareness are critical requirements that ensure employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their tasks safely. These elements help organizations build a proactive safety culture and achieve consistent occupational health and safety performance.

What is Competence in OHSMS?

In the context of OHSMS, competence refers to a person’s ability to apply appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out work activities safely. Competence goes beyond formal qualifications; it includes practical experience and an understanding of workplace hazards. An employee may be qualified on paper but still lack the competence to manage risks effectively. Ensuring competence is essential because unsafe actions often result from insufficient skills or lack of understanding of safety responsibilities.

OHSMS and ISO 45001 Requirements

ISO 45001 places strong emphasis on competence, training, and awareness as part of organizational responsibility. The standard requires organizations to determine the competence needed for workers whose activities affect occupational health and safety performance. It also requires organizations to ensure that workers are competent based on appropriate education, training, or experience. In addition, legal and regulatory requirements often mandate specific training for high-risk activities, making compliance a critical factor in OHSMS implementation.

To meet these requirements, organizations must create and control ISO 45001 Documents such as training procedures, competence evaluation records, and awareness materials.

Identifying Competence Requirements

Identifying competence requirements begins with understanding job roles and their associated risks. Organizations should analyse tasks, hazards, and operational controls to determine the necessary skills and knowledge. Risk-based thinking plays a key role in this process, as higher-risk activities demand higher levels of competence. Developing a competence matrix helps map job roles to required competencies and highlights skill gaps that need to be addressed through training or supervision.

Training as a Tool to Achieve Competence

Training is one of the primary methods used to develop and maintain competence within an OHSMS. Effective training programs include induction training for new employees, job-specific training, refresher sessions, and emergency preparedness training. Training should be planned, delivered by qualified trainers, and tailored to the needs of different roles. Simply conducting training is not enough; it must be relevant, practical, and aligned with workplace risks to truly enhance safety performance.

Awareness Requirements in OHSMS

Awareness ensures that employees understand the OHS policy, relevant hazards, risks, and the consequences of not following safety procedures. Workers should be aware of their roles and responsibilities within the OHSMS and how their actions contribute to overall safety performance. Awareness can be promoted through toolbox talks, safety meetings, posters, internal communications, and leadership involvement. An aware workforce is more likely to identify unsafe conditions and take proactive measures.

Evaluating Training Effectiveness and Competence

Evaluating competence after training is essential to confirm its effectiveness. Methods such as observations, assessments, audits, and performance reviews help organizations verify outcomes. Results of evaluations, corrective actions, and retraining records form part of ISO 45001 documents and support evidence-based decision-making within the OHSMS.

Conclusion

Competence, training, and awareness are essential pillars of an effective OHSMS. When supported by well-controlled ISO 45001 documents, these elements ensure compliance, reduce workplace risks, and promote a proactive safety culture. A documented and competent workforce is key to achieving sustainable occupational health and safety performance.