What are the consequences of working without certification?

Obtaining certification for the operation of plant machinery is a fantastic way to make sure you can safely and effectively use the equipment. It can also be a way to show reputable employers you have the necessary skills and, consequently, help you start a rewarding career. Despite these clear benefits, certification is not a compulsory legal requirement for operating most plant machinery. However, working without certification can have a variety of negative side effects, some of which we will look at in this article.

Legal duty and penalties

Employers have a legal duty (under Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) to ensure that the workers they employ are competent and adequately trained for the type of machinery they are to operate. This means that although there is no official licence for specific types of plant machinery, certification is the best way to ensure that your staff are well trained and will fulfil these legal regulations. Certification courses teach key knowledge and practical skills such as how to properly use the machinery and equipment, effective manoeuvering, health and safety principles, how to prevent accidents and deal with hazards. Without this training, employees could be found to be inadequately trained which could lead to large penalties for their employers.

More accidents

One of the primary reasons that there are regulations surrounding working with plant machinery is because improper usage can easily result in serious accidents. All plant machinery can be dangerous, and training courses, which end in certification, ensure that you are aware of these dangers and know how to avoid them through correct operation. Without the knowledge gained through a certification course, you could be putting yourself, and others that you work with, at risk. Accidents aren’t only physically harmful, the fallout of necessary medical attention, reporting, recovery time and lost working hours can impact personal earnings and a business’ profits and efficiency.

Decreased employability

Before you’ve even begun to work, a lack of certification can be negatively harming your opportunities. Employers will find a prospective candidate a lot more attractive if they have proof of their skills and knowledge in the form of certification. Without certification, you will likely find it harder to get work operating plant machinery. If you do find work, you may have to complete training on the job before you’re allowed to work on proper projects and you can, in all likelihood, find yourself being paid less than those with certification.

Out of practice

Many certificates which demonstrate competence in using plant machinery will expire after a certain number of years. Over time, bad habits can be picked up, new skills can be introduced and without frequent operation of machinery, individuals can become out of practice. Without refresher training to regain certification, operating safety can be compromised and, in the case of an accident, you could be deemed an incompetent driver. Refresher training should be taken roughly every 3-5 years, but should be considered on an individual basis.

Euro 1 Training is a professional plant machinery training provider based in Doncaster. We offer a range of high quality certification and refresher courses for machinery such as forklifts, excavators, rollers, dump trucks and HGVs/LGVs. Our training courses are carried out by professionals with industry experience and can be organised to fit around your current commitments, with evening and weekend classes available. Get in touch with our friendly team today for further information about our services.