Personal Competence

Competence means having the right training, knowledge, experience, and attitude to do the job safely.
CDM 2015 Regulation 8 requires that no person carries out work unless they are competent or supervised.
A valid CSCS card demonstrates that a worker has achieved the minimum competence standard for their role.
Competence is not just qualifications — it includes practical experience and the ability to recognise hazards.
An untrained worker operating plant, electrics, or lifting equipment puts themselves and everyone else at risk.
Refresher training is essential — skills and knowledge degrade over time without regular reinforcement.
Competence must be verified at induction through card checks, certificates, and competence-based questioning.
Working beyond your competence level without supervision is a breach of your personal duty under HASWA 1974.
New and young workers must be closely supervised until they demonstrate consistent competent behaviour.
Being honest about what you can and cannot do is a sign of professional maturity, not weakness.

Legal requirement	CDM 2015 makes it illegal to carry out construction work without competence — this applies to every individual.
Prevent serious harm	Unqualified workers operating plant, electrics, or lifting equipment cause fatal and life-changing injuries.
Professional integrity	Admitting you need training or supervision earns respect — bluffing competence puts lives at risk.

Do

Don't

Carry your CSCS card and relevant qualification certificates at all times on site.
Tell your supervisor honestly if you are asked to do something you are not trained for.
Complete all required refresher training before your certificates expire.
Ask for supervision when attempting a task you have not done before.
Keep a personal training record of all courses, briefings, and qualifications achieved.
Share your knowledge and experience with less experienced workers on your team.
Attend toolbox talks and safety briefings as genuine learning opportunities.
Accept feedback on your competence constructively and act on it positively.
Verify your subcontractors hold the correct qualifications before they start work.
Take pride in maintaining your skills through continuous professional development.

DON'T operate plant, equipment, or systems you are not trained and authorised to use.
DON'T claim qualifications or experience you do not actually hold or possess.
DON'T let your CSCS card or competence certificates lapse without arranging renewal.
DON'T assume experience alone equals competence — formal training is also required.
DON'T carry out electrical, gas, or lifting work without the correct specialist certification.
DON'T allow peer pressure to push you into tasks beyond your competence level.
DON'T supervise others in a task you are not competent to perform yourself.
DON'T skip induction or training because you have done similar work elsewhere before.
DON'T forge, alter, or borrow someone else's competence cards or certificates.
DON'T confuse confidence with competence — knowing the rules matters more than bravado.

See also: Site Induction Requirements | Worker Duties Under CDM 2015

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Toolbox Talk Record