Worker Competence and Supervision
You are a site supervisor for a roof cladding project. A new worker arrives on site claiming to be an experienced roofer. He has a CSCS card but it is a provisional card. He cannot provide references. You are short-staffed and under pressure to complete the roof by the end of the week. The roof is 15 m high and involves complex detailing. The worker says he can work at height and has his own harness. The weather is windy and rain is forecast.
1. What are the issues regarding the worker's competence and how should you address them?
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Issues: provisional CSCS card indicates the worker may not have completed the full qualification; lack of references means experience is unverified. Working at height on a complex roof requires competence. Controls: 1) Verify qualifications: check the CSCS card type; a provisional card may mean the worker is still training. 2) Ask for references and follow them up. 3) Conduct a skills assessment: have the worker demonstrate competence under supervision. 4) Provide induction and familiarisation with the specific roof and equipment. 5) Ensure the worker is supervised until competence is confirmed. 6) Do not assign complex tasks without supervision. 7) Check harness: ensure it is in good condition and suitable, and that the worker knows how to use it. 8) Consider the weather: windy and rain may make work unsafe; monitor conditions. 9) Do not bow to time pressure; safety first.
2. What does the CSCS provisional card signify and what are the implications for site work?
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The CSCS provisional card is issued to workers who have not yet achieved the relevant NVQ or qualification. It allows them to work on site while they complete their training, but they must be supervised by a competent person. The card is valid for a limited period (usually 6 months to 1 year). It signifies that the worker has passed the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test but has not yet demonstrated occupational competence. Therefore, the worker should not be left to work unsupervised on complex or high-risk tasks. The supervisor should ensure the worker is progressing towards full competence and that supervision is adequate. The card should be checked for validity and the worker's identity verified.