CSCS urge employers to check workforce cards the Smart way

Following on from reports in the media last year outlining the dangers of construction card fraud, CSCS is continually trying to urge employers to carry out electronic card checks before allowing workers on site. Checking the card electronically has numerous benefits, but mainly ensures employers are confident that those working on site have the correct training and qualifications for the job.

CSCS Communications and Public Affairs Manager Alan O’Neile said: “CSCS believes that for construction sites to remain safe and productive all workers should have the correct qualifications and training for the type of work they carry out. This was one of CSCS’s primary objectives when introducing the electronic SmartCard in 2010. The CSCS SmartCard provides a simple and cost effective way to tackle fraud and verify that workers hold the correct qualifications and training before allowing them on site.”

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A survey conducted in 2015 confirmed many contractors and employers are still failing to take advantage of this technology, with many sites still using inefficient paper based systems or ineffective visual card inspections.

Alan O’Neile continued: “The technology embedded in a CSCS card is free to use and allows a site manager access to a wealth of information about each worker, including their qualifications. By simply placing the card in a reader or onto a compatible device such as a tablet or smartphone you can instantly check the cards validity and the qualifications held by the card holder.”

One contractor recently calculated that card checks using smart technology will save around 500 man working days per year and CSCS is working with several organisations to help them realise the full benefits of the technology. Once they realise the benefits then changing to a smart seems becomes apparent.

As a CSCS IT partner our system and smart card is fully compatible with CSCS’s new technologies. We certainly welcome and advocate a move towards smarter access and checking systems onsite, which in our opinion will ease the burden of site management by storing information centrally. Fake cards would not be omitted onto site with our Tally access system in place.

Mosaic Management Systems provides health and safety site management software that offers you an online and flexible solution to on boarding, competency management, access control, asset management, stock control, fatigue management and toolbox talks.

Source: CSCS Articlesnip_20161010124456 about us