Health & Safety Manual and Associated Training Package

Proposal:

There is a lot of discontent in the workplace surrounding Health & Safety. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is trying to rid the world of disreputable, over charging, bureaucratic consultants*and to encourage companies to become self-sufficient and really own their Health and Safety Management Systems.

SMEs with the current financial squeeze are desperate to cut costs without losing staff. Bringing “in house” their health and safety work would cut out the extortionate consultancy costs, the bureaucracy and increase their internal commitment to safety. Unfortunately they don’t feel confident in carrying out the work themselves or weaning themselves off the consultants.

Like the HSE I don’t like overcharging consultants, so I have come up with a practical self-help training package that will combat companies’ reluctance and provide them with the necessary tools and “hand-holding” until they are self-sufficient and confident. My intention is to market it and roll it out across England.

Basic Concept of Training

Attendees will be provided with all the base documents (H&S Manual) to enable a full H&S management system to be produced and installed in their own companies. The initial documents will be produced in WORD and EXCEL and are designed to be readily adjusted to precisely meet each company’s requirements. Training will be given to explain the different sections of the Manual and the legislation that requires it. The course is deliberately spread over a number of weeks to allow for attendees to carry out the necessary changes to the documentation and for the trainer to vet such changes to ensure satisfactory progress.

Unique Selling Points (USPs):

Enables SMEs to become self-sufficient

Removes or reduces costs of H&S consultants/advisors

Application of HSE vision for SMEs to be self sufficient

Reduces bureaucratic burden, keeps costs lean and produces fit for purpose management arrangements

Eliminates over zealous H&S manuals and operating procedures

Modular structure geared to attendees’ needs

Keeps companies legal

Increases staff commitment where H & S considerations become part of the Organisation’s culture and can be maintained by the work force.

Provides suitable evidence of progress to provide protection from the Local Environmental Health Office/HSE and/or other interested bodies within two months from the commencement of the course.

Learning Outcomes:

Good working understanding of what companies need to do to comply with H&S Legislation.

The confidence and ability to generate and adjust documentation/procedures to precisely meet companies’ needs.

The ability to carry out risk assessments and H&S audits.

To co-ordinate all H&S activity within their company.

*Speaking on behalf of all the organisations involved in developing OSHCR, HSE Chair Judith Hackitt said:

“There are already many very good health and safety consultants who give sensible and proportionate advice to employers, but there are also those who may overcomplicate health and safety, miss important hazards or contribute to misperceptions about what is really needed to protect people at work.