Posted By Ian Waldram
I think you need to distinguish between different types of H&S training.
If it is primarily about giving INFORMATION, there is a good argument for saying no refresher training is needed, particularly if the training includes provision of adequate references so the trainee can refresh their own memory when needed.
If the training is to develop a manual or team SKILL, e.g. practical first aid, the traditional 'statutory' re-training interval is 3-yearly - I suspect based on not much evidence at all! When you think about it, the need for refresher training will depend on whether the skill has been practiced regularly, or not, within the intervening period. If the skill is part of the normal job, you would expect the supervisor to know if performance was sub-standard. If the skill is for emergencies only, then it can be forgotten a lot quicker than 3 years, depending how complicated it is.
If the training is to attain a minimum level of COMPETENCE (i.e. knowledge + skill + ability to apply these in practical situations), then the initial training should include some form of competence assessment - and not by the trainer! Rather than providing blanket re-training every x months or years, it makes more sense to re-sit the competence assessment, and train only those persons who fail it.
Many UK employees, who drive on public roads as part of their work, are competence assessed once via the national licencing system, then never again - unless they have an accident.
At the other extreme, when I worked offshore, it was normal for the installation fire/rescue team (who were primarily employed in other roles) to have a practical training exercise and debrief every week.
If you are setting up a new system, I recommend you take the competence approach, and use competence re-assessments, not time, as the basis for deciding when refresher training will add value. Such re-assessments should be primarily pro-active, but would of course include information from accident/near-miss investigations.