Since the first Factory Inspectorate was formed in 1833, efforts have been made to make the workplace safer for employees. Not only is this a humane attitude, but it is now enshrined in law; the employer has a responsibility to ensure that all of their workers are as safe as they possibly can be when going about their tasks.
Although of course some working situations – such as working at height or with hazardous materials – can be intrinsically dangerous, it is still possible, with appropriate training and the correct equipment. The HSE now oversee safety in the workplace, bringing prosecutions if laws are breached, but training courses are often designed and kept updated by the various associations and federations within various sectors such as CITB (Construction Industry Training Board).
Training is for everyone
Many employers now are taking the view that training should be given to anyone working within the sector, whether or not they actually work at the ‘sharp end’ and this is a wise move. The more people in a working environment who are aware of risks and dangers, the less likely an inadvertent oversight is likely to happen.
Some risky areas, such as working at a height, carry dangers for those not actually engaged in it; for example, many of the accidents associated with using scaffolding, ladders or powered access platforms involve someone on the ground being injured by falling tools or other objects, so it seems only fair to make sure these potential victims are also able to perform risk assessments and check that their colleagues are behaving sensibly.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility
It is only human nature to look after number one and although acts of extreme heroism and altruism are not unknown, it is still normally the case that in dangerous conditions, everyone looks after themselves; as a survival strategy, it is second to none, after all. However, this is not the way to make sure the workplace is safe. Instead of relying on emergency procedures, more employers are making sure that dangers don’t arise, by arranging appropriate training for all staff.
Training for managers and supervisors is particularly popular, because it means that risk assessments will be produced promptly and to the company pro forma by someone who understands the potential pitfalls in any working practice or procedure. Training for accident prevention is clearly a must but awareness training too is never wasted. Particularly being aware of situations or substances that, perhaps may not cause an immediate accident but should one be exposed to could lead to chronic illness; in the case of asbestos, there is no such thing as being too careful. Our asbestos awareness training course could save your live!
Bottom line is – training is never wasted
Most of the health and safety courses offered by Boss Training take just one day and can be arranged in the workplace in many cases – this is particularly beneficial when talking about powered access in warehouses for instance. Training with the relevant equipment in the environment where it is used is much easier for people to understand and the importance can be underlined. A trained staff is a safer staff; enough said!