All,

I am looking for advice from anyone who has experience of H&S in Germany. My company has taken on the management of the clients contractors who come from Germany. When I was aiding the contractor complete a Safe System of Work in line with UK legislation, I was suprised by the puzzelment when I asked what formal H&S qualifications his supervisors or workforce have. His response to my questionning was "we are carpenters".
I am aware of the differences of UK legislation to the continent, but do not fully appreciate what to expect from a German contractor. I do not want the wool to be pulled over my eyes.
What training should I expect a German Contractor to have?

Regards,

Stewart

Hi Stewart

Possible that they hold Safety Checklist Contractors’ (‘SCC’) cards. See www.scc-sekretariat.de/faq/SCCFlyerEnglisch.pdf.

SCC (or VCA in Dutch) is an accreditation scheme launched in the Netherlands in 1994 initially for contractors working for clients in the petrochemical sector. It has subsequently been extended to those working for clients in other sectors, and geographically to Belgium, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. External auditors check whether a contractor can carry out hazardous work competently, with skilled employees, professional safety management and a strong commitment towards safety.

SCC includes a subsystem of personal competencies, requiring mandatory safety training and an examination prior to the issue of a Basic Elements of Safety or supervisor’s card.