When it comes to health and safety, we hear a lot about education. All workers, including managers and business owners, must be trained to carry out work safely, effectively and efficiently.

We often consider health and safety training only relevant to those working at the coalface. But sometimes we might want – or need – specific training to be accepted on our clients’ sites; training needs should be assessed for an organisation’s different roles and provided relevant to that role.

Management training often looks different to worker training. It tends to be less hands-on, less practical and more knowledge-based. To run a successful, compliant business, managers must be up to date with their industry and legislative knowledge. A simple way to achieve this is through membership in industry associations. Industry associations inform us through newsletters, emails, seminars and conferences. Attending workshops and conferences is an essential aspect of this.

Obviously, this only supports managers if they participate. The information gained must be assessed for relevance. If it is relevant, it needs to be assimilated into the organisation.

The process for sitting the transport service licence is just one of the ways a transport operator can demonstrate knowledge of their industry. Workers are often inducted into client sites. They may be required to complete hazard ID training, permit receivers, licence training, etc.

Keeping a record of training completed and expiry dates is important. Monitoring this record will ensure that trained workers are undertaking tasks and that expiring training is refreshed promptly.

As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”