Skills and competence underpin safety in the UK electrical power industry

• Published in: 4th IET International Conference on System Safety 2009. Incorporating the SaRS Annual Conference p. 2B2
• Main Author: Steed, J.C
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Stevenage IET 2009
• Subjects: Health and safety aspects; Public utilities; standards; skills; competence; safety; UK electrical power industry; electricity supply industry; business environment
• DOI: 10.1049/cp.2009.1544
• ISBN: 1849191956; 9781849191951

Skills and competence are the foundation upon which the safety record of any industry is continually tested - none more so than the electrical power industry. Since privatisation in 1990, this industry has undergone significant change and today faces many challenges, one being the shortage of skills in the sector. Bringing the next generation through with sufficient competence to work safely will be a critical part of the business environment. The industry has set itself challenging standards on safety performance and is committed towards achieving them. In many respects, lack of competence is a major cause of accidents. (6 pages)