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Every employer must appoint one or more competent people to help them meet their health and safety responsibilities. This requirement comes from Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
A competent person is someone with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to understand the risks within the business and provide appropriate support. Formal qualifications are not always legally required, but the level of competence must match the complexity and risk profile of the organisation.
For some businesses, this role can be fulfilled by an appropriately experienced owner, manager or employee. Where suitable competence is not available internally, an external adviser can provide the additional knowledge and support required.
The competent person might help the business develop risk assessments, review policies and procedures, investigate incidents, monitor compliance and understand changes affecting its operations. However, appointing an adviser does not transfer the employer’s legal responsibilities. Business owners and directors remain responsible for making decisions, providing resources and ensuring agreed controls are implemented.
For many SMEs, retained support provides access to proportionate professional advice without the cost of employing a full-time safety manager. The objective is not to create unnecessary paperwork, but to give the business reliable guidance and confidence that its key risks are being properly managed. Learn more from the HSE.
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