Site workers test CSCS smart card

Organisers of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) are running a pilot scheme with a group of major contractors to test the viability of using smart cards on site.

The pilot studies, which are due to conclude next month, will test whether CSCS will introduce the system that stores rafts of information on the cardholder within an embedded microchip built into the competency card.

CSCS vice chairman Graham Medcroft said: "The results of the pilot are due in soon and we will analyse the results and come to a decision. The smart cards being tested have been used to register such things as which tools have been used by workers and what time employees enter and leave particular sites."

As part of the test, cards are being swiped by workers on site and the data is then fed back into the information database held by the main contractor.

If successful, the cards could be used for future proof of competency on site to help tackle worker safety, as well as addressing security issues. However, the move is likely to spark some backlash from unions, which will be concerned about the invasion of workers’ privacy and human rights by using the intelligent card system.

CSCS is considering introducing cards that would allow workers to top up their qualifications as they go along. It is thought that school leavers, or those studying construction-related qualification, would be able to use the card to register qualifications that are not covered by CSCS.

Medcroft could not tell CJ which contractors are involved in the pilot as they had signed a confidentiality agreement. However, he did reveal that they were all "big players".