Confined Space Competence...confusion

I was recently contacted by a potential client asking if I would be interested in training a companies emergency response teams on Confined Space Entry & Rescue. Of course my first thought was 'absolutely, I'm your man' but then a strange question was asked of me..."will you be teaching to the low risk, medium risk or high risk levels for our teams"?

...and here lays my problem...

While I remain confident that industry bodies have the best intentions in attempting to address incidents and accidents in our workplaces and industries, unfortunately, and in many cases, when training companies grasp these opportunities to commit to delivering much-needed competence-measured training, the significant factors can become motivated purely by profits. This, in turn, (and in my professional opinion) affects the quality and delivery of the end product. What is always of great importance is that when a delegate leaves the training room the Instructor/s may never see that individual again...however, any Instructor, Trainer, Teacher of any professional worth will always hope to deliver 'over and above' of what their learner may need to know and not lesser because of the budget constraints of those organizing the course to accommodate legislative requirements or expectations.

I am not criticizing an industry that I have both been employed in and continue to practice without good reason, however, while teaching OPITO Accredited courses for the Oil & Gas Industry I was subject to ensuring % timings for both theoretical and practical sessions on many subject matters and if fully honest some courses could have been reduced in time depending on certain circumstances but this was frowned upon. Knowing that not everyone learns at the same pace I would often also devote my personal time after the days training to support any remaining learning gaps of individuals (not sure as I write this that it would be perceived as the correct thing to have done). It is however impossible to deliver a 4 day course that has a maximum of 16 delegates across the same time-frame for 6 delegates on a chosen week without losing the engagement of those attending who realise exactly what's happening!

Equally, when I have personally undertaken OPITO courses and I see poor delivery standards that I as an independent are paying for it does get to me. I have blogged about this previously on my site.

So to my main point...

In my HSE consulting capacity I have commonly encountered lesser levels of confined space knowledge and practices than would be expected, and, on discussion have recognised that having a certificate that was achieved while sitting on a sofa undertaking an online course that was originally £342.00 but is now available for less than £20 and incorporates "a deep knowledge and insight'...is no way near the levels that are needed to prepare or cater for the found circumstances and hazards associated with CSE. For the most part, the people I have encountered who have been working in the oil and gas industry, range between 'new starts' and experienced practitioners in that industry.

In preparation of this blog and when canvassing a number of companies that offer Low, Medium and High risk confined space training, I recognised that the course costs can range between £150.00 (low risk, 1 day) and up to £1120.00 (high risk for 3 days)...per delegate! Lets be realistic about these costs, particularly in todays financial climate...which course are businesses likely to opt for?, more importantly, what level of training and competence are the delegates going to have upon completion of that training?

I am not trying to curtail the many training businesses out there that may have a great reputation for quality delivery and receive honors for doing so via some annual recognised events...what I would like is for this subject matter of Confined Space to be made less complicated and not measured in learning standards by the amount of £'s being afforded. There are reasons why we have not seen a reduction in serious events and sadly fatalities associated with Confined Space working on a year by year basis...this should certainly be regarded as a contributing factor.

What's needed - Do away with any confusion and the variety levels of anticipated training and encourage engagement from businesses that are affordable, comprehensive and that correctly prepare delegates with the knowledge needed of the multiple roles and responsibilities required to plan for, achieve safely and complete without incidents and accidents.

What will I do - I shall continue to offer 'free Confined Space Awareness training' via my social media adverts and posts. The content of my offers are clearly not driven by profits i.e. 'FREE'. I will always strive to deliver the maximum of my knowledge share to anyone sitting in front of me and will continue to prepare those involved in Confined Space Entry to the highest levels achievable in the time afforded by the business seeking support and help.

Pease reach out if you need advice.

Stay safe everyone...'safety is never a compromise'