W.1.1 Define and verify workforce skill levels before work starts

Sites are expected to understand what skills and qualifications are needed for each role and to check that people meet those requirements before they begin work. This applies to everyone working on site, regardless of employer or contract type.

Competency checks should be planned, documented and proportionate to the work being carried out. This helps prevent unsafe working, reduces rework and ensures people are not put into roles they are not trained for.

Priority Actions

• Defined qualifications /skill levels for the workforce, including pre-start confirmation that training is complete.

Suggested Methods & Actions

• Confirm qualifications and skill levels for all roles.
• Maintain a competency matrix.
• Check training completion before site access.
• Ensure consideration of competence requirements for building safety compliance.

What this looks like in practice

On site, this usually means having a clear list of roles and the training or qualifications required for each one. Before people start work, their details are checked against this list, and gaps are addressed before access is granted.

Supervisors know who is authorised to carry out specific tasks, and changes to roles or work activities trigger a review of competency rather than assumptions being made.