Port Skills and Safety (PSS) was set up in 2002 as a joint venture between UKMPG and the British Ports Association, to improve safety standards in the industry.  PSS has a wide remit to work with its members and other stakeholders to encourage and promote high standards of health and safety and a highly skilled workforce.  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.

PSS administers a series of standing work and advisory groups which includes the long-established Port Skills and Safety Group (PSSG; previously the Accident Prevention Officers’ Group). The PSSG 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 members. 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, members are 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.

For more information see the PSS website at http://www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk/