New continued professional development requirements for the extractive sector deserve praise for their content and the approach taken, says Wayne Scott, CEO of both the quarry industry national organisation and its health and safety council.
New continued professional development requirements for the extractive sector deserve praise for their content and the approach taken, says Wayne Scott, CEO of both the quarry industry national organisation and its health and safety council.
The New Zealand Mining Board of Examiners (BoE) reviewed CPD requirements following a consultation process with stakeholders which it says uncovered a range of issues. After considering feedback and submissions, the BoE has recommended an entirely new framework around CPD to WorkSafe New Zealand, which it has accepted. The new framework will be implemented from February.
Wayne Scott, CEO of the Aggregate and Quarry Association and MinEx Health and Safety Council says not only has the BoE made changes the industry agreed with, it also listened to submissions made by industry during the consultation.
“It’s a true consultation. We saw it from the start earlier this year when WorkSafe and the BoE outlined what they were proposing to a MinEx Board meeting.
“They’ve both now followed through and delivered a set of changes that reflect the day to day realities of our sector and are introducing a workable, sensible CPD regime from next year. This is a real win-win for industry, BoE and Government.”
CPD requirements for the extractive sector were introduced in 2016 with the BoE promising a 2019 review to ensure they were fair, reasonable and fit for purpose.
The BoE says feedback received was insightful, helpful and well-appreciated and indicated a need for wider change in requirements than what was initially proposed.
The changes include:
- Certificate of Competence (CoC) holders can complete their CPD hours over five years with no conditions
- Formal/informal activities replaced by unrestricted/restricted activities
- CPD logbook revised to accommodate changes and encourage emphasis on the component parts of CPD.
Wayne Scott says he is particularly pleased to see transitional arrangements as these acknowledge initial difficulties with the introduction of CPD. He also says the signals of continuing engagement are welcome. The BoE is holding a workshop to help with changes to CPD guidelines and log book in Wellington on November 7.