It is clear to me that “competence” appears to be defined by the holding of a plastic card or certification, and once this is evidenced everyone is happy. I have been recently amazed by the indifferent attitude displayed by site operatives in the use of access equipment, and by mangers in their reaction.
I recently encountered an operative on site who was the proud holder of a PASMA card, less than 2 years old, yet he was “very nervous” using the narrow tower he had erected. The legs were lying beside the tower in clear sight, and yet when asked about the set up, he blamed his employer for sending poor equipment. He had been working in this manner for a number of days, uncomfortable, and in full view of everyone else.
I had to control the immediate desire to cut up his PASMA ticket. If we don’t use our knowledge, we all loose our knowledge. Competence at every level is revealed by how we act on site.
