Workplace Competency: Building and Maintaining Safe Work Capability
Workplace competency is the capability to apply relevant knowledge, skills, experience and judgment to assigned responsibilities. Training can contribute to competence, but capability often develops through a combination of learning, practice, supervision and workplace experience.
What Is Workplace Competency?
Workplace competency describes capability in relation to defined work. The competence required depends on the task, level of responsibility, working environment and associated risk.
Knowledge
Understanding relevant hazards, controls, procedures and principles.
Practical Skill
Being able to perform required activities appropriately.
Judgment
Recognizing conditions, limitations and when additional support is required.
Training Does Not Automatically Equal Competence
Course completion can provide evidence of learning but may not demonstrate full workplace capability. Some responsibilities require practice, experience and observation after formal training.
Maintain Competency Over Time
Capability can be affected by infrequent practice, changing equipment, new hazards or changes in responsibilities. Review competence when workplace conditions or performance evidence indicate a need.
Use Assessment and Development Together
Competency assessment can identify gaps, while targeted learning, coaching and supervised practice can help address them.
