The CSCS Card, which is issued by Construction Skills
Certification Scheme (CSCS), is increasingly being demanded as proof of
competence by major organisations and employers in almost all industries.
CSCS was set up in the mid-90’s with the aim of improving
site worker’s competence to reduce accidents and drive up on site skills and
abilities.
The scheme keeps a database of those working in construction
that achieve, or can demonstrate they have attained an agreed level of
occupational competence. Successful applicants are issued with a card giving
them a means of identification and proof of their achievements. Cards are
increasingly demanded as evidence of occupational competence by contractors, public
and private clients and others; today there are over 1.7 million cards in
circulation.
The Rack Group Ltd installers started by acquiring the white
and grey Construction Related Occupations (CRO) card or the Green, Construction
Site Operative Card; The Rack Group then upgraded these cards when the CSCS
scheme recognised the new accredited qualification “Specialist Installations
Occupations – Industrial Storage Equipment” aimed at the installation of pallet
racking. The Red trainee card and the Blue Craft Card were then introduced to
the industry in recognition of the newly approved NVQ qualification. The
Director of Operations at CSCS is currently looking at ways of recognising the
Level 3 NVQ for Occupational Work Supervision and methods of integrating the
Gold Card into the Industrial Storage Equipment sector of CSCS.
One of the reasons The Rack Group looked at obtaining the
Gold Card was due to one of their major blue chip clients ASDA adopting the
CSCS scheme. All contractors working for Asda are required to work to the
standards specified by ASDA’s Way of Working Document. This was prepared in
partnership with the Partnering Contractors Health and Safety CIG (Contractors
Improvement Group), providing contractors with a health and safety guide and standards
required while working on ASDA’s sites.
Mike Abel ASDA’s General Manager has been quoted as saying
“we stipulate that all people carrying out construction related activities on
our sites can show that they have the requisite skills. With tradesman and
operatives we insist that they have a CSCS card at the appropriate level for
the activities they are undertaking”. Mike Abel. (2012). ASDA
Focuses on CSCS to Support Health and Safety Targets. Available:
http://www.cscs.uk.com/about-us/case-studies/. Last accessed 2.09.2012.
Another of The Rack Group’s blue chip clients Sainsbury’s
has also stated that having the CSCS card is crucial for all contractors
working on their sites, Arthur Carruthers Project Manager at Sainsbury’s has
been quoted as saying “CSCS enables us to ensure that anyone who comes onto a
Sainbury’s site has a level of competence, which can be improved upon as
contractors invest in their staff. CSCS cards started off as something that was
desirable to have, but is now a compulsory requirement and is checked by our
main contractors as part of the site induction process”. Arthur Carruthers. (2012). Sainsbury’s checkout value of CSCS.Available:
http://www.cscs.uk.com/about-us/case-studies/. Last accessed 2.09.2012.
Having the card is beneficial for both the employee and the
employer. As an employer you are confident your supervisory employees are
competent in the jobs they are doing, it also proves to potential customers
that your employees are qualified to the highest level. The card benefits the
employee because as an employee you are confident in your own abilities and
workmanship.
The Rack Group is always looking at ways in which they can
up skill their staff and the industry as a whole and therefore, all Supervisors
have acquired their CSCS Gold card.
The Rack Group strives to have its supervisors and
installers trained to the highest level possible. This ensures all work
completed on site is to the highest standard possible.
An awards ceremony was held at Barnsley Football club on the
7th September 2012 to celebrate the achievement and to handout the
Gold Card to The Rack Group supervisors along with other certificates of
achievement from various other training organisations.
The Rack Group is always looking at ways in which they can up
skill their staff and the industry as a whole.
For more information regarding inspections, maintenance and
repair work to pallet racking give us a call on 01226 784488, alternatively you
can e-mail us on info@therackgroup.com
or visit our website at www.therackgroup.com
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