When did you last review your team’s training matrix? or is it still sitting on a shelf gathering dust?
A training matrix is the single source of truth that a company has about what qualifications their employees have, and when those qualifications are due to be updated or refreshed.
But as anyone who has ever been responsible for keeping a spreadsheet up to date will tell you, it does not take much for that to fall by the wayside and end up forgotten.
Training matrices are more than just a spreadsheet, however. They are a vital part of a business’s safety system and a check that teams have the skills they need to safely undertake the work they are doing.
Why training matrix updates don’t happen
At its core, a training matrix is a piece of administration. In many organisations, the matrix is little more than a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet with a list of names and completed training courses on it.
In theory, the matrix is referred to regularly to make sure that everyone on the list has completed the training that is required of them and then keeps that training current by refreshing it in line with either best practice or company policies.
Out in the real world, though, what happens is that it is filled out once, gets filed, never looked at again before being forgotten entirely. Generally, this lasts until something, like an audit or accident, occurs. Only then is the matrix reviewed and action taken to bring everyone back up to date with their training.
It does not take long for a training matrix to find itself out of date and no longer fitting the needs of workers or their workplace. Over time people can move into new roles, the team can expand, and work practices can evolve.
Prompts to conduct a training matrix review
The best way to ensure that a training matrix is kept up to date and is a useful asset for your business is to review it regularly.
How regularly? At least annually. For first aid officers, CPR skills must be refreshed on a yearly basis, so this can be used as an easy-to-remember cadence to set for your matrix review process.
Ideally, reviewing a training matrix should not wait until the accident has occurred.
Why accurate accounting of training matters
A properly maintained training matrix is more than just a piece of administration that tracks who in the team has completed what training. It is actually an important piece of a business’s compliance journey.
Training matrices, when properly maintained, can be used by a PCBU to demonstrate their compliance. They show a business is meeting its obligations to ensure workers have the skills needed to safely undertake the work.
It can also help in identifying where gaps exist within a team’s skill set.
How Height Safety Engineers can help
Height Safety Engineers assist businesses working in high-risk environments.
Our team provides PCBUs and businesses with advice and guidance on planning their teams’ training and keeping accurate, up-to-date records of their completed competencies.
We also assist with reviewing and updating a training matrix that may have fallen by the wayside over time. As experts in workplace safety, we provide our clients with unique insight that can highlight skill gaps and identify areas where training may need to be refreshed across the team.
As a registered training organisation (RTO 91227), our team regularly provides nationally accredited training to companies looking to up-skill their team in a variety of common workplace safety risk areas including height safety, working in confined spaces, manual handling and more.
Having a team equipped with the skills they need to safely complete their work, and the PCBU having a clear and accurate record of that training forms an important part of a business’s compliance with their safety obligations.
Partners in protecting people
No matter your fall protection needs, the team at Height Safety Engineers have the experience and know-how to make sure your entire team is protected when working at height.
Start your safety journey with us today by calling 1300 884 978, sending an email to enquiries@heightsafety.net or *filling out the contact form above.
