Attendance records are useful evidence that training took place, but they do not prove practical competency. A worker may attend a session and still misunderstand, forget or incorrectly apply an important step.
Attendance measures presence, not performance
A sign-in sheet confirms who was present and when. It does not show whether the person can perform the task correctly, safely or consistently.
People learn and retain differently
Language, prior experience, task complexity, confidence and opportunities to practise can affect how well training transfers into work.
Observed performance provides stronger evidence
Watching a worker perform the actual task reveals whether the required sequence, PPE, product use, equipment handling and contamination controls are applied correctly.
Use attendance and competency records together
Attendance documents exposure to training. Competency records document demonstrated ability. Together they give a more complete picture than either alone.
Competency can decline over time
Even previously competent workers can drift from approved methods, especially when tasks are infrequent or procedures change.
Practical takeaway
Do not treat a signature on a training sheet as proof of capability. Verify important tasks through demonstration, observation and documented competency checks.
