Competency Matrix for Level 1-2 Managers. #HSE competencies

Previous Experience

At my previous company, my team and I had experience implementing annual knowledge assessments on HSE requirements for Level 1 managers (foremen, site supervisors) and Level 2 control managers (deputy heads and department heads). The knowledge assessment is based on the company's local internal regulations.

Briefly, the essence of the process:

• Once a year, every engineer and technician takes tests in an electronic system
• They must answer 50 questions (20 on occupational safety and 30 on industrial safety)
• The question bank contains ~1,000 questions, with some updated annually
• The passing threshold changes every year: first year – 80%, second year – 85%, third year – 90%
• If a manager fails the test, they are suspended from their duties by a company order until the next retake; the number of attempts is unlimited
• To assist engineers and technicians, trial testing is provided (also in the electronic system) from their workstations
• The final test is taken in the HSE Department's training classroom

Why tests are based on internal regulations rather than legislation

• Internal regulations (local HSE standards) already incorporate legislative requirements
• Managers already "refresh" their knowledge of legislation by undergoing industrial safety certification in required areas once every 5 years and occupational safety training once every 3 years

Current Project

Currently, my team, along with the HR and operational efficiency teams, is implementing a project to enhance management competencies.

We are developing a competency model related to production, repairs, and HSE.

The competency model will have three levels:

• basic level
• expert level
• advanced level

The HSE competencies are planned to be built based on the company's key internal regulations. These include: HSE Management System (HSEMS), Industrial Control, Permit-to-Work system, and Risk Management. These processes are the foundation of the system.

What product we will get

• Competency matrix
• Competency assessment for Level 1-2 managers through a testing system (questions and case studies based on internal regulations)
• Assignment of training courses for identified gaps based on assessment results
• Annual testing for managers to self-assess their knowledge dynamics

Does your company have an HSE competency matrix for Level 1-2 managers? Share in the comments!

• Yes
• No
• Why is it needed? Everyone already undergoes training and certification anyway
• Other (please specify)