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Health and Safety Competent Person

Ensure Legal Compliance and Protect Your Business

A Health and Safety Competent Person is vital for maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring your business meets legal health and safety requirements. Whether you're a small business or a large organisation, SVC Safety Solutions can provide expert support to help you stay compliant and safeguard your employees.

Why You Need a Competent Person

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require every employer to appoint one or more competent persons to assist in ensuring compliance with health and safety laws. This applies to businesses of all sizes and industries.

  • A competent person has the necessary skills, training, and experience to:

  • Identify workplace hazards

  • Implement effective risk control measures

  • Stay up-to-date with changing health and safety legislation

  • Establish safety protocols that are practical and compliant

What is a Health and Safety Competent Person?

In simple terms, a Health and Safety Competent Person is an individual who is skilled, trained, and knowledgeable enough to identify, assess, and manage health and safety risks in your workplace. Their role is to ensure that your business complies with all health and safety regulations, protecting your employees and others from harm.

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A competent person isn’t just a box to tick on your compliance checklist—they are a key figure in ensuring the safety of everyone on your premises, helping to create a secure work environment that also boosts productivity.

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The Legal Mandate for Health and Safety Competence

Under Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, it is a legal requirement for every employer to appoint a competent person to assist with compliance. Failure to do so could result in severe legal consequences, including prosecution.

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"Every employer shall, subject to paragraphs (6) and (7), appoint one or more competent persons to assist him in undertaking the measures he needs to take to comply with the requirements..."

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This regulation emphasises the necessity of appointing someone with the expertise to safeguard your business and employees, ensuring full compliance with the law.

Is a Health and Safety Competent Person Necessary for Your Business?

Absolutely. Regardless of the size or nature of your business, a competent person is non-negotiable when it comes to complying with health and safety regulations. Their expertise is critical to creating a safe workplace and preventing costly accidents or legal issues.

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A competent person is responsible for:

✅ Ensuring legal compliance

✅ Identifying potential risks

✅ Developing tailored safety measures for your business

✅ Continuously reviewing and updating your health and safety procedures

The Risks of Non-Compliance

Not appointing a Health and Safety Competent Person can lead to serious consequences. Failing to comply with The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 could result in legal penalties, including prosecution.

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Key Risks of Non-Compliance:

  • Enforcement action by regulatory bodies

  • Legal liabilities and financial penalties

  • Increased workplace accidents or injuries

  • Damage to your reputation and loss of business

 

Appointing a competent person is vital to protect both your business and your employees.

External Health and Safety Competent Person Services

If your business lacks the in-house resources to appoint a competent person or operates in a high-risk environment, an external consultant might be the perfect solution.

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An external professional brings:

  • A fresh, objective perspective on potential risks

  • Industry-specific experience

  • Comprehensive expertise to fill any gaps in your current health and safety plans

SVC Safety Solutions offers external competent person services, helping you ensure your business remains fully compliant and operates safely.

  • What is a Health and Safety Competent Person?
    A Health and Safety Competent Person is an individual with the necessary training, knowledge, and experience to manage health and safety risks and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
  • What does 'competent' mean in this context?
    'Competent' means possessing sufficient training, expertise, and practical experience to effectively manage and mitigate health and safety risks within a business.
  • Do I need a Competent Person in my business?
    Yes, it is legally required for every business, regardless of size or industry, to have a competent person to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Can I hire an external consultant as a Competent Person?
    Yes, if your in-house resources are insufficient, you can appoint an external professional to fulfil the competent person role.
  • What happens if I don’t appoint a Health and Safety Competent Person?
    Failure to appoint a competent person can result in legal penalties, enforcement action, and potential prosecution.
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Why Choose SVC Safety Solutions?

At SVC Safety Solutions, we offer expert, reliable, and compliant health and safety services. Our consultants are experienced across various industries, including construction, warehousing, and manufacturing, ensuring tailored support to meet your unique needs.

  • Industry expertise to identify and mitigate risks specific to your business

  • Clear, practical guidance delivered in plain language—no jargon

  • Ongoing support to ensure continuous compliance with evolving health and safety laws

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Let us manage the complexities of health and safety, so you can focus on what matters most—growing your business.

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