Competency management in high-risk environments is no small task. Over 18 years at BIS Safety Software, I’ve worked with organizations across industries to solve one central problem: how to ensure workers are truly competent when their safety, and the safety of others depends on it. This session is an experience share that blends the challenges, solutions, and insights I’ve gathered over nearly two decades.
We’ll begin with the basics: what competency management entails and why it’s critical for organizations. From there, I’ll discuss the development of training matrices, tackling issues like role-specific requirements, equipment-specific needs, and site-specific demands. These aren’t just theoretical concerns—they’re real, complex problems we’ve solved alongside clients managing thousands of roles and training combinations.
The talk will also dive into the hurdles of competency assurance, from validating trainees to balancing global and local requirements. I’ll share some surprising stories from the
field—like a painting of Jesus being used to fool a proctoring system—and the innovative solutions we developed to address them, from AI-powered tools to dynamic competency frameworks.
Finally, we’ll look ahead at how technology is reshaping the competency landscape. From AI and wearables to the rise of robots in high-risk tasks, I’ll share thoughts on how organizations can prepare for the future while staying rooted in the essential human aspects of training and development.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Foundations of Competency Management: Gain a clear understanding of what competency management entails and its importance in high-risk environments.
- Understand Training Matrix Design: Learn to map complex training requirements, including role-specific, equipment-specific, and site-specific needs.
- Overcome Common Challenges: Explore practical solutions to challenges like verifying trainee identity, managing competency overload, and navigating global versus local training requirements.
- Leverage Technology for Competency Management: Discover how AI, automation, and wearable technology can enhance training and assessment processes.
- Prepare for the Future: Explore how robotics, AI, and workforce changes are transforming competency management and what that means for your organization.
This session will be interactive and grounded in real-world examples, offering actionable insights and tools you can take back to your team. Whether you’re just starting your journey with competency management or looking for advanced strategies, there’s something here for everyone!
Dan MacDonald is the CEO and co-founder of BIS Safety Software Inc., a cloud-based platform that powers training and compliance for thousands of organizations and millions of active users globally. With nearly two decades of experience building and scaling BIS, Dan has become a recognized leader in leveraging technology to improve workplace safety and competency management.
Dan’s career began in retail, where he held various roles at The Brick, one of Canada’s largest furniture and appliance retailers. From sales to management and ultimately category manager, Dan gained a front-row seat to leadership and business strategy working closely with the company’s executive team. This experience laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial journey.
In 2006, Dan and his wife launched BIS Safety Software from their kitchen table with a vision to simplify safety training and compliance. Starting with a minimal viable product and a handful of early adopters, the company grew steadily through a relentless focus on innovation, customer service, and continuous improvement. Today, BIS operates out of a 25,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Sherwood Park, Alberta, with a team of over 130 and annual sales exceeding $20 million.
BIS Safety Software is now exploring partnerships to expand its global reach, helping more organizations build safer workplaces. A passionate advocate for learning and leadership, Dan has spent years refining his approach to solving real-world challenges in competency management. His insights, drawn from the front lines of high-risk industries, offer practical takeaways for businesses striving to ensure every worker goes home safe at the end of the day.
Website: https://bissafety.com/