Is an employer obliged, by law, to keep accurate training records? Yes!

We all know that keeping an accurate record of every training course undertaken is a

key part of business management but unfortunately far too many businesses

overlook this most vital of aspects and fail to incorporate effective reporting systems.

This can be a big mistake as without an audit trail there is no way to be sure that

every employee has completed the necessary training, and that in itself could put

you in breach of important regulations.

It's all well and good putting your employees on courses, but if you want to ensure

compliance you'll have to prove that they've undergone the level of training. That is

what makes accurate record-keeping so important and if you don't have a system in

place to make sure of that you could easily come unstuck should the worst happen –

with an effective and up-to-date audit trail you'll be able to mitigate the risk to your

business should the unforeseeable occur.

The 'moral' issue of training and keeping comprehensive records cannot be

ignored as companies are sending their employees out to carry out a potentially

hazardous role and use equipment that is potentially dangerous, when used

incorrectly.

Under the 'Provision and Use of Work Equipment' regulations companies are

required to train their staff in the correct and safe use of any equipment they are

provided with and any the technician supply themselves.

The benefits of training and keeping accurate records

The primary purpose of training staff to a recognised standard is to reduce accidents

at work but there are many others benefits including;

 Staff feel valued and remain loyal to the company

 Staff are more efficient and productive

 Staff cause less damage to equipment and vehicles

Companies may believe, or use the excuse, that the information held by training

providers and/or the IVR is sufficient but neither have a comprehensive record of

what happens within a company and any in-house tuition provided.

These records must be accessible 24/7 so never underestimate the importance of

keeping accurate employee training records if you want to have a safe, secure and

fully compliant workplace.