Port Skills and Safety was established by the ports industry at the beginning of 2002 and has a wide remit to work with its subscribers and other stakeholders, to encourage and promote high standards of health and safety and a highly skilled workforce. We are recognised by Government departments and Agencies, including the Department for Transport, Health and Safety Executive, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Sector Skills Development Agency and the National Learning and Skills Council.
PSS is core funded through subscriptions, and is open to all port related organisations including harbour authorities, conservancies, port and terminal operators, stevedoring companies and labour supply companies. Training providers, consultants and other organisations that provide services to or work alongside port organisations may subscribe as Affiliates.
What We Do
PSS undertakes and provides a wide range of activities and services on behalf of the ports industry and for subscribers. We represent the interests of port employers, achieving our objectives largely through consultation and partnership working.
PSS administers a series of standing work and advisory groups which includes the long-established Accident Prevention Officers’ (APO) Group. The APO Group provides the industry with a forum for health and safety practitioners, and others with an interest in health and safety, to learn about and discuss current issues, and to share information and best practice.
Special work groups are established on an ad hoc basis to consider specific issues. Such issues can include the development of industry guidance, the interpretation of generic legislation, or the development of National Occupational Standards and national qualifications frameworks.
PSS also provides a full range of services to its subscribers. These include:
- the dissemination of information via regular postings on the PSS website. These postings provide important information on, for example, accidents and incidents, legal developments (including consultations), accident prevention, skills and standards issues, industry publications, and events and training
- technical advice on any issues relating to health, safety, skills and standards in the ports industry
- the production and publication of industry specific guidance material
- the facilitation of national and in-house training events on ports specific issues
With the consent of the HSE, subscribers are now able to appoint PSS as one of their ‘competent persons’, in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, reflecting the range of health and safety services and advice provided.