No, you’re definitely not at liberty to decide that–at least not yet. So far, you’ve done everything right. But you still have work to do. First, you need to determine exactly what training the manufacturer recommends. What must the training cover? Who must provide it? What other specifications apply? Once you know exactly the training called for, you need to do your own search for vendors who can provide it. Unfortunately, the failure of the mfr or supplier to give you a referral doesn’t get you off the hook.
If after making reasonable efforts you still can’t find a vendor who can provide the training, you need to consider the nongovernmental standards that apply. Hopefully, one of them will work. I’d also recommend that you reach out to Alberta OHS and explain the situation. BE SURE TO DOCUMENT EVERYTHING YOU’VE DONE SO FAR AND WILL DO NEXT, starting with your communications with the mfr and supplier. Documentation will be crucial if you get second guessed.
I’ve gotta say that this is a really crappy situation and that your manufacturer should be ashamed of itself. Sometimes threatening to write a negative review or even take your story to a local news reporter will get a manufacturer’s attention. Ultimately, make the best selection you can after thorough research and document why you decided that the training you selected was the best option for the operator’s protection.
Glenn (OHS Insider Editor) Feel free to contact me at glennd@bongarde.com if you’d like to discuss it further
