Competence Doesn’t Automatically Transfer: Managing Holiday Cover on Construction Sites

Summer often means annual leave, reduced staffing and people stepping into roles they don’t normally perform.

But when a key person goes on holiday, can the person covering them genuinely take on their responsibilities?

Simply asking someone to “keep an eye on things” doesn’t automatically make them competent to manage health and safety.

Competence is more than training

Competence comes from having the right combination of knowledge, skills, experience and ability for the role.

For example, if a site manager is away, the person covering them may need to understand:

• Current site activities and significant risks
• RAMS and changes to planned work
• Contractor arrangements
• Inspection and monitoring requirements
• Emergency procedures
• When and how to escalate concerns

They also need the authority to challenge unsafe work, make appropriate decisions and, where necessary, stop an activity.

A person may have relevant training and plenty of construction experience, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are competent to take responsibility for a particular site or role.

A proper handover matters

Before someone goes on leave, don’t just pass over a set of keys and a list of tasks.

Make sure the person providing cover understands:

What’s happening?
Current and upcoming work, contractors and significant activities.

What needs attention?
Outstanding inspections, actions, permits or known issues.

What could change?
Activities or risks that may require decisions while they’re away.

Who can help?
Clear escalation routes if something falls outside their knowledge, experience or authority.

The big question

Before a key member of your team heads off on holiday, ask:

“If they weren’t here tomorrow, would the site still be safely managed?”

If the answer is uncertain, address the gap before they leave.

Good holiday cover isn’t simply about having someone available. It’s about ensuring the right level of competence, supervision and authority remains in place.

Because keeping a site running and keeping a site safe aren’t necessarily the same thing.