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COVID-19: Tackling the Novel Coronavirus Course

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FutureLearn offer online healthcare courses to provide learners with vital skills, research, and training for their professional development.  

With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine developed the COVID-19: Tackling the Novel Coronavirus course to understand the emergence of COVID-19 and how we respond to it going forward.

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/covid19-novel-coronavirus

British Safety Services – 2019 Press Release

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25 years since first NEBOSH course delivered internationally

In1994, BSS were the first organisation to deliver a NEBOSH National Certificate outside of the UK. 

25 years ago, British Safety Services (BSS) gained approval to deliver the first NEBOSH National General Certificate outside of the UK, in Borneo to the oil and gas industry.  NEBOSH at the time only employed only 5 staff.  BSS Founder Pat McLoughlin said, “It took some persuading in 1994 for the NEBOSH management to agree we could deliver courses overseas.  We could see a demand and were delighted when they agreed.  To think that now international training accounts for around 75% of NEBOSH’s income.”

The course in Borneo had 20 students of which 19 paid for their own training (which was equivalent to about 2-3 months’ salary at that time).  Once word got out that the course was happening, the reception area of the hotel became like a recruitment fair as several employers were keen to recruit the students, such was the value they placed on the NEBOSH course at that time. All but three of the students gained new employers and had doubled their salary by the end of the course.

Delivering NEBOSH training courses internationally in 1994 was so different than today; results were sent back to NEBOSH via fax and trainers had to take several hundred plastic acetates in their hand luggage with words, pictures and diagrams to use as presentation materials.

BSS have managed to track some of participants of that first international course, and as Mina Bian one of the original students said: “Back in 1994 I was an occupational nurse with Shell in Sarawak. I was always seeing the results of poor health and safety performance on workers at Shell and when the opportunity came along for me to attend the NEBOSH National General certificate, I thought it would complement my existing medical training. During the course I found out so many new things and, more importantly, it helped me understand how many accidents and incidents were caused. Little did I know or appreciate that, due to my success in the NGC I would be selected for special additional development by Shell and latterly, after 3 rounds of redundancies, I would be the last to leave the Shell Medical and Health Department when it was finally reorganised and outsourced. I am certain that the reason for my extra personal development and being retained until the closure of the department was greatly influenced by the NGC that I sat over 25 years ago”.

Leaving Borneo, the BSS team immediately flew to the Sultanate of Oman to deliver the second NEBOSH National General Certificate course outside of the UK.  BSS were keen to build on their reputation in the region as a leading provider of Health and Safety accredited training courses.

So how was the world of safety and training back in 1994?

Training back in 1994 was so different from today as Pat explains, “there was no internet or emails back then registration forms and results were all sent by fax and course materials had to be planned weeks in advance, with little ability to change content quickly.  We had no laptops or projectors and frequently carried excessive hand luggage, (we could not risk losing our training materials).  Several hundred acetates with words and diagrams together with hundreds of 35mm photographic slides demonstrating good or bad practice had to accompany us wherever we delivered our training. Occasionally clients would agree to produce corporate safety videos which cost thousands of pounds and weeks to produce.

It is so much easier these days, we can adapt content quickly and capture videos, interviews or photos easily.  We present training material using lightweight laptops (which can all be backed up and stored in the cloud should we ever lose our devices whilst abroad).

Other than technology, so much has changed in the areas of risk management since 1994 and this includes the phrase risk assessment itself, as it is now a daily used word in society, a far cry from the early days when only those in the health and safety world vaguely understood the concept.

Today, we realise and accept that at the heart of good health and safety practice is people and their behaviour. To ensure a positive safe working environment requires people to have a positive attitude to safety and not, as promoted by some countries still, a never-ending list of rules, laws and punishment for violators.

Additionally, we have seen significant improvements in the last 25 years to personal protective equipment in the range, quality and its use.  PPE, although not the perfect solution, has a relevant time and place”.

How do you see the future of safety and training?

“There are some new exciting developments which will help us assess improvements before and after training. We have recently been privileged to use the Safety Climate Tool, SCT, a wonderful survey tool from the UK Government Regulators, the Health and Safety Executive, HSE, which helps to reveal people’s attitudes and reasons for their behaviour, both good and not so good. We have used this survey with clients, one with over 4,800 workers on one site.  Individuals take part in the survey, prior to training and enables employers and trainers to get a “feel” for safety attitudes within the workforce, both individually and collectively. We can create a sensible list of suggested actions and priorities to be carried out post training.

This benchmarking process is repeatable and objective, it allows real measurement of change, without relying on the good old, and highly discredited, AFR, Accident Frequency Rate as the sole arbiter of safety performance!

With the ability to follow up the survey at a later date, we are able to help clients assess if attitudes within their organisation are changing.  We would never have been able to conduct, deliver and evaluate a survey such as this back in 1994 without today’s technology to help. I think these tools will only get better in the future and help us develop bespoke training and development programmes that can continue to make a difference.

One thing that may also change in the future is the way we provide water to our students. One thing that makes me smile is that back in 1994 if you had bottled water at a training course it was always a fancy glass bottle – not the cheap plastic bottles we have seen latterly.  However, now we are aware of the dangers of plastic to our environment we are seeing a return to glass bottles – so some things have gone full circle!”

From becoming the first provider of training courses for NEBOSH outside of the UK, BSS has grown its international reputation. Having delivered courses on six continents (as Pat said, “we count Siberia as the Arctic because it certainly felt like it” and in many Foreign & Commonwealth Office ‘red list’ destinations.  Examples of locations across the continents where BSS have delivered training include Algeria, Canada, Congo, China, Greece, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Timor Leste and the UAE.  In between collecting airmiles, BSS have delivered courses in the UK, either on location at clients’ premises or from their own facilities in Birmingham.

BSS have trained over five thousand students on various NEBOSH courses since 1994. Many students have gone on to train countless others resulting in saving many injuries and potentially even deaths as we spread the message that good health and safety management should be seen as a potential profit centre and not a cost centre, with the financial savings that can be made by reducing daily carnage in the workplace.

Pat recalls, “one of my proudest moments was assisting development of the materials and trainers for delivery of a NEBOSH accredited course in Mandarin. To see the impact that HSE training has had in China in the last 24 years has been fantastic.  Whilst there is still so much to do around the globe, as safety professionals we should recognise how far we have come.”

And what about the future?

“We are just back from Borneo after recently delivering a NEBOSH Process Safety Management Course where we are delighted to announce all students achieved a 100% pass rate.

This Winter will see us returning to Papua New Guinea, Oman and China as we deliver the range of NEBOSH courses internationally.  We are really excited about the new Process Safety Course as this has already been popular with our overseas clients”.

Any further thoughts?

We are pleased NEBOSH continue to develop their training products and now NEBOSH are holders of a Queen’s Export Award.  BSS often wonder would that have happened without the embryo of an idea to deliver the first ever National General Certificate in Borneo back in 1994?

British Safety Services (BSS) is a consultancy offering advice on health and safety issues nationally and internationally. Based in Birmingham, the company offers guidance on all aspects of public safety, specialising on workplace legislation. The company also runs a wide range of recognised training courses focusing on safety issues.

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Important Rule Changes for CITB Site Safety Plus Scheme

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The CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) has recently announced an important change in the rules for the Site Safety Plus Scheme. The new change to bring the scheme in line with other Cskills Awards products by doing away with the six-month grace period on certificates.

Currently, there is a grace period after a CITB certificate expires, which allows delegates to attend a refresher course within six months of the expiry date. Soon, this grace period will be removed, so delegates must now ensure that they attend a refresher course before their certificate expires.

CITB are removing the certificate grace period; currently the grace period is six months after a certificate expires This means that instead of the 6 month grace period after a certificate ends, delegates need to ensure they attend a refresher course before the end date of their certificate instead of having to sit a full course.

The current grace period process will continue until the 31 December, 2015. After this date, the grace period will not be valid without a formal appeal to the CITB. If any of your staff or contractors have Site Safety Plus certificates that will have expired by this date, book them on one of our SSSTS Refresher or SMSTS Refresher courses now.

If you would like to book a refresher course click on the above link or call our Head Office on 0121 333 7232. You can also email us at [email protected]

Health and Safety Basics For Business Owners

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It is Business Safety Week in the United Kingdom, as the Chief Fire Officers’ Associations (CFOA) aims to highlight the importance of protecting staff members from fire hazards and other types of health and safety risks. To mark the occasion, British Safety Services is offering business owners comprehensive advice on how to mitigate any risks in order to protect the health and safety of their staff, customers and any visitors.

Exercise Comprehensive Fire Safety

The main goal of Business Safety Week is to reduce the risk of fires. To help business owners prioritise their fire safety measures, the CFOA has coined a ‘simple’ message:

  • Store stock safely. Corridors, stairs and exits should remain clear.
  • Identify alarm points.
  • Make sure doors are closed to stop fires from spreading.
  • Place flammable objects away from sources of fire.
  • Let someone know if you notice any fire hazards.
  • Ensure everyone is aware of what to do in case of a fire.

Control Health and Safety Risks In Your Business

It is important to carry out a risk assessment of your business and its premises. This will determine if there are any potential threats to the health and safety of your staff and any visitors. Many smaller businesses can use the Health and Safety Executive’s Risk Assessment Tool, which helps ‘low-risk’ business owners comply with health and safety law.

Higher-risk businesses may need to enlist in the help of a professional. At British Safety Services, we offer Health and Safety Consultancy, which includes risk assessments, inspections and audits for businesses in a wide range of fields.

Provide Training to Employees

Once any risks have been identified, it is time to train your staff. All employees should be notified of the potential health and safety risks in your business, and how they should react in the event of an emergency situation.

All staff members should be made aware of the following information:

  • Any hazards that they may face
  • Measures that are in place to deal with these hazards
  • Relevant emergency procedures

Many businesses can conduct training in-house with a staff meeting. The information should be presented clearly, and all employees should leave knowing exactly what is expected of them both on a day-to-day basis and in the event of an emergency. For higher-risk and larger businesses, health and safety training from an external source may be required.

Ensure that all new staff undergo health and safety training, and remember to provide refresher training to all employees, especially those that assume new responsibilities or job roles. To stay on top of this, be sure to keep detailed training records.

Maintain Facilities for a Safety Working Environment

As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure a safe working environment for your staff. According to the HSE, these are the basic facilities required to keep your employees safe and healthy at work.

To address health issues, ensure that your workplace has:

  • An effective ventilation system
  • A comfortable temperature in the workplace (the HSE recommends a minimum 16°C, or 13°C for strenuous work)
  • Suitable lighting
  • Adequate room for seating
  • A clean working environment

To address safety issues, ensure that there is:

  • Proper maintenance of work equipment and the property overall
  • Floors that are free of obstructions
  • Windows that can be safely opened

British Safety Services offers a wide range of health and safety training and consultancy services businesses around the world. For more information on how we can help you mitigate health and safety risks for your business, browse our health and safety services or call us at: +44 (0) 121 333 7232

Surviving exam stress

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Everyone has a life and responsibilities outside work: they may have children or other caring responsibilities, or simply want time to pursue other interests. In 2000, the Government launched a campaign to improve the work-life balance for employees in the UK. Employers are encouraged to introduce flexible working practices which enable their employees to achieve a better balance between work and the rest of their lives.

However, while the emphasis from the Government is on a work-life balance, many employees are also studying while working full or part-time, which adds an extra element to the work-life balance equation. This can make it very difficult for those studying to allow themselves enough time to ‘have a life’ outside of their work and studies, particularly when revising for exams.

People approach revision in various ways: some will thrive on the stress and adrenaline rush while others will struggle to open a book and get started. The tips should help people focus their mind and help them achieve the desired results.

Planning is the key to successful revision. Examination dates are published well in advance and you should use this knowledge to plan your structured revision programme.   Don’t leave it to the week before.  Research past papers and examiner feedback, learn from the successes of others and avoid obvious candidate pitfalls.

As part of your revision plan, ensure that you make time for your revision. This is essential in achieving a work-life balance at this time. Often demands from family, friends and work colleagues can seem unreasonable. Put time aside at home when the house is quiet to revise – this can be in the morning or at night depending on when you are most awake.

To make your revision effective, ensure that you organise your revision plan. Avoid doing the same thing all the time – adopt different techniques to keep your interest in the task at hand.

Six Simple Revision Techniques

  1. Condense. Fitting notes onto one side of paper makes the volume easier to stomach, so rewrite and cut down as you go.
  2. Highlight. Target key areas using colours and symbols. Visuals help you remember the facts.
  3. Record. Try putting important points, quotes and formulae on tape. If you hear them and read them, they’re more likely to sink in.
  4. Talk. Read your notes out loud, it’s one way of getting them to register.
  5. Test. See what you can remember without notes, but avoid testing yourself on subjects you know already.  If you have a very patient friend or partner it may help to ask them to test you.
  6. Time. Do past exam papers against the clock; it’s an excellent way of getting up to speed, particularly with exam boards putting added pressure onto you by requiring you to address a wide range of subjects in a very short period of time.

By taking regular breaks and eating properly, you will maintain a healthier mind and body, which will give you a greater chance of successful revision. A breath of fresh air or some other exercise will loosen up your mind as well as your body.

Eating a variety of healthy foods doesn’t just give your body a boost; it also benefits your brain cells. Skipping meals may well give you extra cramming time, but it can also leave you hungry and unable to concentrate, so, eat regularly and sensibly. Think wholemeal bread sandwiches and fruit, rather than cakes and biscuits!

Finally you should adopt a positive approach to taking exams. It is much easier to memorise and recall information if you have a relaxed open mind. A few tips when taking exams are given below.

“Read, Plan, Write, Avoid

Managing Safety At A Construction Site

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As the manager of a construction site, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone working at the property. Here is concise guide to help ensure that your construction site is as safe as possible.

Welfare of Workers
The welfare of workers is important at any construction site. It is your responsibility to ensure that they have access to:

–          toilet and washing facilities;

–          an area to prepare and consume refreshments

–          a place to store clothing and PPE

These facilities must be properly maintained for the duration of the construction project. They should also be kept clean and in suitable working condition at all times.

Vehicle Safety
According to the Health and Safety Executive there are about seven fatal accidents involving vehicles on construction sites every year. There are many provisions that you can take to prevent such accidents from occurring.

It is important to keep pedestrians and vehicles separated to minimise the risk of accidents. By providing walkways and crossings, you can keep pedestrians safe. It is also advisable to consider installing barriers between the walkwaya and the roads.

It is also important to ensure that all drivers are properly trained. Many accidents are caused when an untrained driver takes control of a vehicle. Signallers should also have the proper training and authorisation.

Material and Waste Management
A disorganised and unkempt construction site can lead to workplace accidents. Slips and trips are common injuries that occur as a result of poor maintenance.

When it comes to material storage, ensure that there are designated storage areas for all items on your site. Keep all flammable materials separate and ensure that they are protected from accidental ignition. Do not allow these storage areas to creep into pedestrian routes, as this is likely to cause slips and trips.

Waste management is also crucial. At the beginning of the project, set out guidelines for how waste will be disposed of and who will be responsible for collecting the specific types of waste. Ensure that waste is disposed of regularly and that it is disposed of in the correct way (as hazardous materials cannot be disposed of in the same way as regular waste).

Safety Training
Finally, be sure that all workers and managers on your construction site have received health and safety training. This will ensure that they are aware of the best practices to ensure the welfare and safety of their fellow workers.

British Safety Services offers up a wide range of courses for construction workers. For more information, browse our Construction Health and Safety Training or call us at: +44 (0) 121 333 7232.

 

Health and Safety Timeline

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Over the course of the past 21 years, the Health and Safety Industry has seen many developments that have improved the working conditions and safety protocols for workers in various sectors. To commemorate these important events, British Safety Services has created a Health and Safety Timeline.

From BSS hosting the first-ever international NEBOSH course in 1993 to the 40th Anniversary of the Health and Safety Act in 2014 – there have been numerous innovations that have helped to improve the health and safety of workers in the UK and around the world.

Download the infographic at: http://www.bssukhse.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/BSSTimeline11.pdf

Asbestos Safety Training Crucial for Tradespeople

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A recent study by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has found that tradespeople across the United Kingdom are in need of training to correctly identify the correct measures for working near asbestos. This dangerous material can be found in buildings that were constructed before the year 2000, and it is important for workers who may encounter asbestos as part of their jobs to undergo safety training.

Asbestos is a major concern among tradespeople but many workers are unaware of the proper safety protocols. Source.

According to the report, Asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) are the single-largest cause of work-related fatalities, causing 4,500 deaths annually. Workers who are the most at-risk are those who frequently disturb the framework of buildings, including construction workers, carpenters, painters and decorators.

The HSE’s survey interviewed 500 tradespeople, and found that many were unaware of the risks presented by asbestos and misinformed about how to protect themselves. Fourteen percent of respondents thought that drinking a glass of water would protect them while 27% responded that opening a window would be a sufficient safety measure. Only 30% of respondents were able to identity all of the correct safe asbestos working protocols.

There are 1.8 million people in the UK who may be exposed to this material while at work, and they should become well-acquainted with the best practices for managing the risk of asbestos. There are many health and safety courses that provide this training, and it is crucial for workers to know the proper protocol in order to stay safe.

British Safety Services offers up a wide range of health and safety courses that provide workers with the essential knowledge required to keep them safe when dealing with hazardous substances. For more information, view our full Health and Safety Courses list.

Health and Safety Executive Reports on Health Risks at Construction Sites

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Throughout July, the Health and Safety Executive visited hundreds of construction sites across the United Kingdom to evaluate the industry’s health and safety practices. Inspectors uncovered some surprising results, as many construction sites were exposing workers to dangerous health risks.

According to the HSE’s report, one of the biggest issues involved workers being exposed to respiratory risks, such as inhaling dusts that contain silica materials. Exposure to hazardous substances such as cement and lead paint also posed significant danger to the safety of workers. Manual handling, noise and vibration are other health hazards that were present at construction sites.

At 13 sites, the conditions were so poor that that the HSE issued prohibitions to stop work immediately. Work on these sites can only resume once improvements are made. At a further 85 sites, enforcement notices were served.

The findings stress the importance of the ‘health’ in ‘health & safety’. While construction sites have seen a significant reduction in workplace accidents, it is also crucial to look after health concerns in order to prevent ill-health and fatal diseases. As such, managers and workers should undergo occupational health and safety training to ensure that all people on site remain in good health.

British Safety Services provides a wide range of courses to teach managers and employers the best health and safety practices on construction sites. For more information, visit our Construction Health and Safety Training page or call us at +44 (0) 121 333 7232.

 

Fatal Injuries In England Are At An All-Time Low – But We Can Do Better

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New statistics from the Health and Safety Executive show that fatal workplace injuries are at an all-time low in England. In light of this important occupational safety achievement, it is crucial that workers and employers continue to work hard to drive these rates down even further.

Overall, the rate of fatal injuries in England has significantly decreased to 0.44 per 100 000 workers in 2013/2014. The previous year, the rate was 0.51 per 100 000 workers. Over the course of the past five years, the average rate was 0.56.

On an international level, England has some of the lowest workplace fatality rates in Europe. According to a comparison report1 by the Health and Safety Executive, Germany’s rate was 0.81 per 100 000 workers while Spain’s was 1.76 per 100 000. Only Slovakia and Netherlands had lower rates than England with 0.37 and 0.49, respectively. The EU countries with the worst rates were Luxembourg (4.22), Romania (4.61) and Cyprus (5.53).

Richard Jones, head of policy and public affairs at IOSH, states that it should ‘become socially unacceptable to for anyone to be killed by work’. At British Safety Services, we strongly support these sentiments.

“We have to work hard to ensure that work places across England and around the world eliminate fatal occupational injuries altogether,

More Inspections Being Carried Out By the Health and Safety Executive

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Ensuring that employees are trained in the best practices for health and safety at work should be a priority for employers. While this is always a paramount concern, it is now especially crucial as the Health and Safety Executive is carrying out more and more workplace inspections.

According to law firm Pinsent Masons, the past year has seen a significant increase in the number of tipoff-led inspections by the Health and Safety Executive. In 2012/2013, 3475 health and safety inspections were carried out. In the year to March 2014, the number rose by 18% to 4097.

The tipoffs that are provided to the HSE are communicated in a number of ways. Complaints by members of the community, customers and suppliers are common tipoffs, as well as whistleblowing reports made by employees and workplace safety representatives.

As such, it is important for employers to be prepared for inspections for a number of reasons. In addition to keeping employees and managers safe at work, minimising risks will also eliminate the possibility of an employee or community member tipping off the HSE in the first place.

Employers must fulfil their duties as outlined by the Health and Safety at Work Act, while ensuring that workers can keep themselves safe. Occupational safety training is available to help workers identify and correct risks on the job.

British Safety Services can help you stay prepared for any potential safety inspections. For more information, visit our Health and Safety Training page or give us a call at: +44 (0) 121 333 7232.

CSCS Workers Required To Obtain New Labourer Green Card

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Since 1 July 2014, CSCS introduced a new qualification and identification card called the ‘Labourer’ Green Card. Labourers on any site that operates the CSCS Carding system must obtain this card to confirm that they have met the training and examination requirements of the scheme.

In order to qualify for the CSCS Green Card, candidates must also complete the CSCS Health Safety and Environment Touch Screen test

The CSCS Green Construction Site Operative (CSO) Card has been discontinued, so you will not be able to renew this card after it expires. If your existing Green Card expires after 1 July 2014, then your CSO card will stay valid until its expiry date.

To obtain the new Green Labourer’s Card, workers must complete the CITB – Construction Skills Health & Safety Awareness (HSA) training course from the Site Safety Plus range of courses. It is a one-day program that provides advice and guidance on common safety hazards on construction sites. By the end the course, delegates will be knowledgeable about how to minimise the risk of injury while working.

For more information on how you can qualify for the new CSCS Labourer Green Card, visit our CITB training course page or give us a call at 0121 314 1828.

Introducing Health and Safety Word of the Day from BSS

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Next week, British Safety Services will launch our new Word of the Day campaign. In the world of health and safety training, it is easy to get caught up in all of the jargon and abbreviations.

To benefit all types of HSE professionals, we’re compiling a list of common health and safety terminology, and providing useful definitions for each term. Building on the NEBOSH Technical Glossary, our Health and Safety Terminology Glossary will serve as a useful quick-reference tool for members of the industry.

Follow us on Twitter @bssukhse under the #wotd hashtag for our daily updates. We’ll also be updating on our Facebook and LinkedIn.

BSS to Perform Competency Assessment of Timor-Leste’s National Petroleum Authority

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Due to the dangerous nature of the oil and gas industry, thousands of occupational injuries occur every year. Industry regulators must employ effective occupational safety practices, and Timor-Leste’s National Petroleum Authority/Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo (ANP) has enlisted in British Safety Services to help achieve this goal.

Timor-Leste produces over 96 000 barrels of oil on a daily basis, and the ANP oversees the industry to ensure its compliance with production, development and transport regulations. It is also crucial for the ANP to ensure that workers in the local oil and gas industry remain safe, so the regulator has decided to review its safety measures to ensure that they are effective.

Over the next 4 years, BSS will be conducting a competency assessment and development programme of the ANP to ensure that the competency of the regulatory body’s health, safety and environment staff are effective in protecting workers from occupational hazards. Safety specialists from BSS will identify areas occupational safety competence that are effective and others that are in need of improvement.

The relationship between BSS and the ANP started in 2013, when we presented a NEBOSH International Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety course in Timor-Leste for the HS&E staff. The training focused on health and safety from the viewpoint of workers and managers. Now, during the competency assessment, we will be looking at occupational safety in Timor-Leste’s oil industry from a regulatory perspective.

Oil and gas is the biggest industry in Timor-Leste, and it is crucial that its workers remain safe and healthy. By partnering with the ANP, British Safety Services aims to ensure that all oil and gas workers, both indigenous and ex-patriate, are well looked after.

 

Staff Retention Linked to Worker Wellbeing

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Salaries and location are not the only factors that determine whether or not a worker chooses to stay in their current job. A new study by research firm ICM finds that staff retention relies on a worker’s feelings of wellbeing.  Employees who feel cared for are 27% more likely to remain in their jobs, so employers should consider looking into initiatives like safety training and income protection to boost morale.

According to the research, 30% of workers stated that they would consider quitting their jobs if they felt neglected by their employers. 26% said they would be less likely to work long-term with an employer that did not seem to value their wellbeing, and 21% said it would reduce their motivation and productivity.

“This research shows that workplace wellbeing has a very real business impact for companies in terms of loyalty and retention.

HSE Publishes Statistics About the State of Occupational Safety in the United Kingdom

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From the HSE’s report: rate of fatal work injuries over the years.

The Health and Safety Executive has published a report on occupational safety statistics in the United Kingdom during the 2012/13 year. The HSE’s Annual Statistics Report provides comprehensive insight into health and safety at workplacesacross the country, highlighting the need for more occupational training for workers in the UK.

Last year, 148 workers were killed on the job, which works out to a rate of 0.5 fatalities per 100,000 workers. This marks a small decline from the rate of 0.6 fatalities per 100,000 workers in 2011/12. The construction industry had the highest number of fatalities with 39. Agriculture and waste were not far behind with 29 and 10, respectively.

The statistics show that 78 222 employees were injured, at a rate of 311.6 per 100,000 workers. 19 707 were major injuries, the most common of which were slips and trips (43%) and falling from heights (13%). There were 58 515 over-7-day injuries, most of which were caused by handling and lifting (27%).

706 cases were prosecuted for health and safety breaches in the United Kingdom. 574 of these cases took place in England and Wales, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. 27 cases took place in Scotland, a 20% decline on the year prior.

It is estimated that occupational injuries and workplace-related illnesses cost the UK £13.8 billion annually. To better protect workers and reduce the cost to society, it is important for employers to ensure that their workers are trained to navigate health and safety hazards that are specific to their jobs.

British Safety Services offers a wide range of health and safety training that will keep you safe at work. For more information, browse our selection of Occupational Safety Training Courses.

London Fire Brigade Promotes Fire Safety In High-Rise Buildings

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At home or at work, knowing the best practices for fire safety is crucial. A new campaign from the London Fire Brigade aims to ensure that high-rise occupants are made aware of the proper protocols for fire safety in the event of an emergency.funny shaped building

The London Fire Brigade’s ‘Know The Plan’ campaign ensures that both tenants and landlords are aware of the best practices for fire safety. The campaign answers a wide range of questions that occupants of high-rise buildings may have if a fire were ever to break out in their building.

The campaign literature and website offers advice about how to stay safe if there is a fire in a high-rise building. For example, tenants are informed of their own responsibilities in the event of a fire and what responsibilities belong to their landlords. They are also offered advice about the use of fire doors, how to evacuate and when to call 999. Landlords are provided with information about fire safety laws, fire risk assessments and evacuation plans.

As important as it is to know about fire safety to protect yourself at home, it is also crucial to be informed about fire safety protocols in the workplace. Similar rules apply in high-rise offices and flats, so getting the proper training can go a long way to ensuring safety whether a fire breaks out at home or in the office.

For more information about learning proper fire safety protocols, visit British Safety Services’ Fire Safety Training Courses page, or give us a call at: +44 (0) 121 333 723.

Some Companies Are Taking Unnecessary Health and Safety Precautions

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A recent survey by the Health and Safety Executive has discovered that some businesses are taking unnecessary and bizarre precautions in order to comply with health and safety regulations. The findings have highlighted the importance of Health and Safety training for business managers and employees.

The study questioned business professionals about common health and safety myths. A common misconception has caused many business professionals to believe that their appliances (toasters, microwaves and kettles) should be tested once a year by a professional electrician. This is an unnecessary precaution that wastes company time and resources, but 11% of respondents believed this to be true as the requirement for testing of any portable electrical equipment is risk-based. This means that the actual testing regime should depend upon manufacturers recommendations, usage patterns and previous history of damage or miss-use.

22% of respondents stated that their company was not able to manage health and safety and stated that they required the assistance of an external consultant. More than 30% of respondents described themselves as ‘hopeful have-a-go’s’, as they attempt to comply with health and safety regulations but are not entirely sure what they are doing or where to start.

By taking unnecessary health and safety precautions, companies waste valuable resources. They could save time and money by identifying the actions that actually need to be taken to protect their employees and reasonably managing health and safety concerns. As such, it is important for business owners to ensure that their employees have undergone occupational safety training.

British Safety Services offers a wide range of occupational safety training courses that address health and safety regulations for all types of companies. For more information on our programmes, visit our HSE Courses page or call us at +44 (0) 121 333 7232.

New Strategic Alliance with RRC Offers More Health and Safety Courses

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British Safety Services has established a strategic alliance with RRC International. Our new partnership will allow us to offer a wider range of health and safety training courses to professionals around the world.

While BSS already provides a vast selection of occupational safety courses, RRC offers additional  training that is not currently in our catalogue – and vice versa. Now, RRC students will have access to our SPA and FAA certification training, and BSS students will be able to take part in NVQ and IOA training courses from RRC. With RRC’s help, the BSS catalogue of occupational training courses continues to increase – but our prices will remain the same.

Our new strategic alliance will allow for cross-promotion of BSS and RRC health and safety training courses. As such, professionals will have access to a more comprehensive collection of occupational safety training, and they will be able to enroll in the courses required for them to obtain fire safety certification, oil and gas health and safety certification and other international health and safety accreditations.

“We are pleased to have formed this mutually-beneficial relationship with BSS. RRC looks forward to expanding our already extensive selection of occupational training courses,

Workplace Safety and NEBOSH Training in Siberia and Kazakhstan

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In 2013, British Safety Services worked hard to achieve our goal as a truly international provider of health and safety education. We have provided workplace safety courses in a wide range of countries around the world, travelling as far as Siberia and Kazakhstan.

Our trip to Kazakhstan saw us provide a NEBOSH International Diploma revision session in English. Professionals working in the health and safety industry should ideally hold this diploma or an equivalent, and BSS courses help delegates to have the best possible chance of passing their exams. Historically, 98% of students who have taken NEBOSH courses with BSS have passed the exam and achieved their certification.

Another project that BSS undertook in Kazakhstan saw us offer courses in Russian to the KPO, the national oil exploration and production company. As the oil industry is a very hazardous environment, it is important for employers and managers at the KPO to have adequate safety training to keep themselves and their co-workers safe at work.

Further east, BSS also held a customised NEBOSH training course for the power generation industry in Siberia. We partnered with Jays Training and Abiroy Technical Training to carry out these courses in order to provide a comprehensive course for native Russian speakers.

As we enter the new year, British Safety Services aims to continue our international expansion. We hope to continue our work in Kazakhstan and Siberia, providing valuable safety training to professionals working in a wide range of industries.

Stress in the Workplace

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The term ‘workplace safety’ not only refers to protecting employees from physical hazards; it also deals with the way in which workplace practices affect staff members’ mental health. As such, maintaining a safe and healthy working environment means reducing stress – especially during the hectic holiday season.

An employee can develop work-related stress if they are unable to handle the demands and responsibilities of their job. It can lead to the development of illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, fatigue and insomnia. By eliminating stress in the workplace, managers can increase morale, improve work quality and reduce sick days.

To help reduce stress in the workplace, management staff should be proactive. It is advised that adequate resources are allotted to each project, especially staff hours. Stress often arises from tight deadlines, which tend to arise towards the end of the year and before the holidays. As such, it is important that staff members have enough time to complete the tasks they are assigned. Managers should be open and easy to approach, encouraging staff to come forward and express any concerns they have about workloads, deadlines, changes at the company and job security.

It is also up to employees to do their part to cut back on stress in the workplace. Bullying, discrimination and harassment can be causes of stress at work, so anyone that witnesses this type of negative behaviour should inform a manager immediately. Additionally, lifestyle choices can help alleviate workplace stress. Adopting a new diet, getting more sleep and allotting adequate free time at night and on weekends can reduce stress levels.

The UK’s Health and Safety Executive offers some helpful advice and guidance about dealing with stress in the workplace. British Safety Services also delivers several workplace safety courses, which provide an overview of work-related illnesses. Visit our Courses page for more information, or contact a BSS team member at 0121 333 7232.

Diverse Safety Training in the Middle East

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In 2013, the BSS training team travelled to countries throughout the Middle East to provide safety training in a wide range of industries. From fire-fighting training to safe driving courses, the training we provided was diverse, comprehensive and effective. Our presence in the Middle East spans 20 years, and BSS continues to be a leading supplier of health and safety training in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Yemen.

This year, BSS travelled to Dubai and locations in Oman. While there, our trainers conducted a Crane Appointed Persons training course for Al Futtaim Tarmac, a leading supplier of asphalt in the Middle Eastern construction industry. We also visited Yemen, where we led a number of fire-fighting and H2S Gas Safety courses.

Our work in the Middle East then took us to the South Caucasus, where we provided a defensive driving course in Azerbaijan. Managers at the Pasha Construction Company wanted to ensure that their drivers were specially trained to improve their behaviour on the road and reduce potential accidents.

Whenever we travel to provide training, there are always obstacles that arise from international health and safety laws being very different from those that exist in the UK. From years of working in the Middle East, BSS trainers are well-aware of local safety legislations and cultural issues. So, they are able to provide valuable training that is in line with local regulations.

“We are really pleased with the growth of BSS in various countries,

High Success Rates From BSS Training Courses In China

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Around the world, BSS students have a high success rate. Our training is geared towards ensuring that students pass exams, and our pass rate for the NEBOSH National General Certificate is 98%. Some of our most successful students graduate from our training centre in China.

After working in China for 12 years, we recently opened our first permanent health and safety training centre in the country. Located in Shenzhen, the BSS centre offers comprehensive health and safety training to local professionals and students.

On our latest trip to China, we delivered the first-ever Mandarin NEBOSH Award in Health and Safety at Work. This qualification program allows local residents to obtain HSE certification while studying in their native language. We also delivered a customized CIEH Training Skills and Practice course for Chinese instructors at the centre.

When providing training internationally, it can be difficult to maintain a balance between local legislative issues while meeting internationally-recognized qualifications. BSS tackles these issues effectively by staying up-to-date with international HSE cultural and legislative developments.

At British Safety Services, are committed to providing exceptional health and safety training on an international level. Currently, we offer training in 30 countries around the world, and we hope to spread our health and safety message even further in the future.

To learn more about the types of training that BSS offers, visit our Courses page, or call us at 0121 333 7232.

BSS Provides Workplace Safety Training in Canada

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British Safety Services is dedicated to providing valuable health and safety training to professionals in a wide range of industries around the world. Every year, we dispatch training teams to various locations around the world with the goal of improving safety in the workplace.

Recently, we visited Canada to provide training to managers at Carillion. As one of the nation’s leading construction providers, it is important that managers undergo safety training regularly and are always up-to-date with the latest safety protocols.

Carillion is especially dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure work environment for its employees, making it the ideal candidate for the training services offered by BSS. The company employs the Target Zero program, which aims to reduce the number of workplace accidents to nil. To achieve this, all employees and managers must stay up-to-date with workplace safety procedures.

The training team at BSS encountered some unique challenges while working with Carillion in Canada. Canadian health and safety protocols differ significantly from the risk assessment approach that is utilized across Europe. However, our team was able to navigate the obstacle successfully and provide valuable training to Carillion construction managers.

In the future, BSS hopes to provide training for more companies throughout Canada and around the world. 2014 will see our training provided on a more expansive international scale.

Full details about our health and safety training programs are available on our Courses page, or you can contact us for more information at: 0121 333 7232.

Slips and falls – Minimising risk?

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On the surface
The slip-resistance of floor materials has received considerable attention from safety professionals. This is because every flooring material has advantages and disadvantages, and so must be assessed to ensure it’s suitability and then be properly installed and maintained to provide a safe walking surface.

As a rule, the slip-resistance of a floor material is directly proportional to the number of microscopic points that project from its surface. Concrete, for example, is a relatively safe surface, but if it is improperly cured when poured, it becomes a very slippery surface.

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Construction News Article 19 July 2007

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Construction News Article regarding Team BSS in the Fastnet Race August 12-19 2007.

In photograph are L-R; Kevin Day, Driving Training Manager West Midlands Fire Service, Steve, (Keith), Spedding, Health and Safety Manager Verry Construction, Alan Harris, Safety Manager

Recent results from BSS courses

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We thought we would compile the list of recent course results here for you:
BSS latest NEBOSH International Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas Certificate results Qatar 100% pass rate

BSS latest NEBOSH International Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas Certificate results China 60% pass rate

BSS NEBOSH International Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas Certificate results include an annual overall pass rate of 87%, of which 25% were credits and distinctions – Unbeatable by any ones standards!

So – some great results all round, congratulations to all delegates!

Health should receive equal attention as safety!

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Though safety hazards are relatively clear and understood in the workplace, health issues tend to take a back seat as they are generally more difficult to confront. Interestingly though a healthy workplace is by definition a safe workplace, a so-called safe work place is not necessarily a healthy workplace.

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Removal of Health & Safety laws on small business. A step too far?

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From being “one of the safest places to work in Europe

BSS NEBOSH 100% Credits in China

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Our latest NEBOSH National General Certificate public course in China achieved 100% credits. This is particularly impressive since all were Chinese nationals with english as a second language. Sincere congratulations from all at British Safety Services.

Taking my own advice

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Doing some kitchen DIY last week it dawned on me; do I actually take my own health and safety advice?  Every day I discuss the importance of health and safety in the workplace, but have I ever translated this to the home?

It was a Sunday afternoon, the usual time to do a spot of DIY.  We were looking to move some furniture out of the kitchen to make way for the decorators the following Monday morning.

There I was, with my family trying to safely move the fridge freezer.  Not once did I say to my daughter or even myself: “Bend from the knees.  Keep your back straight.

British Safety Services – First Delivery of NEBOSH International General Certificate – Hassi Messaoud – Algeria

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BSS, with our partners RedMed and AFMC, are proud to announce the conclusion of the first NEBOSH International General Certificate, (IGC), in Hassi Messaoud, Algeria.

On the course were a mixture of 15 Oil and Gas, Health & Safety and Production Professionals, with many years of experience behind them.The tutor, Pat McLoughlin, said “The course, which ran over 13 days, concluded on the 1st February with the NEBOSH IGC examinations, was both informative and fun, something that HSE is not always known for.

GREAT NEWS FOR BRITAIN, LET’S KEEP IT UP!

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“Industries continue to benefit from a more proactive approach to Health and Safety.

Five-Domino Accident Theory given vital sixth piece

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In the light of changing world economic circumstances, a widely used theory for accident causation has been given a vital update – by adding a sixth domino to the classic Five Domino Theory.

At a recent conference in Kish, Iran, the Managing Director of British Safety Services (BSS), Pat McLoughlin, unveiled BSS’ new theory on accident and incident causation, as initially set out in 1931 by HW Heinrich.

Plankton to petrol pump – What would we do without oil and gas?

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Well, this is a question that we should be asking ourselves as, dependant upon which “expert

A Safe Place to Work; Noise can be harmful, causing short term or acute damage

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When thinking of noise do you think of your workplace? If you’re lucky, then hopefully not. But there are people who come across excessive noise every day at work.

A worrying statistic shows that more than one million employees in Great Britain are exposed to levels of noise that put their hearing at risk. The louder the noise, the more damage it can cause, and may even create long term damage to our senses. Fortunately there is advice which can prevent damage from noise – and it is important to consider this as a real workplace risk.

Early gas detection saves lives

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Gases and vapours other than air can pose a threat to human life. The exact nature of this threat depends on the gas present, but in general we divide gas hazards into three main categories:

• Combustible
• Toxic
• Asphyxiant.

Combustible gases can burn or explode, possibly causing extensive damage to plant and personnel. (The words flammable and inflammable are sometimes used in place of combustible.)
Commonly encountered examples of such gases are ethane, butane and acetylene, although the complete list of combustible gases is extremely large.

Oxygen behaves differently to air, compressed air, and other inert gases. It is very reactive. Pure oxygen, at high pressure, such as from an oxygen cylinder, can react violently with common materials such as oil and grease. Other materials may catch fire spontaneously. Nearly all materials including textiles, rubber and even metals will burn vigorously in oxygen.
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Protective Clothing

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The right body protection to wear for each risk-assessed task is of vital importance in every work situation, particularly in work environments where it can be fatal if we get it wrong.
A huge number of people rely on protective clothing each day, For example, the coveralls, overalls or protective suits they wear are not just designed to protect a person’s own clothes and body, they can have other necessary functions such as keeping contaminants off the skin, resist cuts and abrasions, provide warmth in cold conditions and keep contamination out of products, such as in the food industry.
All protective clothing is a compromise between comfort and protection. Shorts and a shirt may feel good, but if you wear them in an icy blizzard, you may be in grave danger of freezing to death.

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Height Safety

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What is working at height?
Work at height is work in any place, including a place at, or below ground level, (including access and egress from such a place of work) where a person could be injured falling from it, if measures were not in place to stop this from happening.

Throughout the world, the single largest cause of serious injury or death is from working at heights. You do not have to fall from a great height to cause injury; many serious falls come from below head height and often result in broken bones including fractured skulls. A variety of seemingly simple tasks are the culprits, from putting up workplace banners and notifications, cleaning guttering, simple maintenance tasks, to shelf stacking , unloading vehicles and machine maintenance.

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Yet another first for British Safety Services, this time in Qatar!

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Birmingham based health and safety training and consultancy provider British Safety Services, (BSS) have gone on to score yet more firsts in a long line of firsts, this time, in Qatar.

BSS recently conducted the first ever NEBOSH Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety, (IOGC), in Qatar to 14 Health and Safety professionals. The results of this course were successful, with a 100% pass rate, where 64% of results were a Credit or higher.
This course was presented by the dedicated directors of BSS, Steve Burke and Pat McLoughlin. Of the course in Qatar, Steve commented, “We saw the IOGC course as an opportunity to widen our portfolio of accredited courses, with Pat and myself leading from the front on this one by delivering the first of a series of courses in order to ensure our usual high standards are maintained.

Fall Protection

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Introduction

Falls are the biggest cause of deaths in the workplace and it is easy to see why reducing the number of falls from height is a priority and principally due to the lack of proper edge protection in a variety of tasks. In construction falls from height accounts for more than half of all deaths in the industry every year, and a significant amount of all major and lost time injuries.The most frequent problem is inadequate scaffolding, with no proper access or no guard rails to prevent falls. Scaffolding is often erected by unqualified operatives, and is sometimes improvised, using unsuitable materials. Apart from scaffolding problems, other causes of falls include unprotected openings in buildings, lack of edge protection in roof work, lack of crawling boards on fragile roofs, demolition work and inappropriate use of ladders and hoists.
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Algerian Workers Achieve 100% Pass Rate In First Ever NEBOSH Health And Safety At Work Course

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British Safety Services (BSS) have just delivered ONE of the first ever NEBOSH Award in Workplace Safety and Health, (Level 2) in Algeria – and achieved an amazing 100 per cent pass rate.

The Health and Safety at Work course was given by Birmingham-based BSS in conjunction with an oil industry training company, Stirling.

The course was run at the Red Med base in Hassi Messaoud Algeria, where fifteen delegates from various oil companies attended. The oil company managers are keen to meet international safety standards and safeguard the safety of Algerian workers.

Pat McLoughlin, Managing Director of BSS said: “We are delighted with the excellent 100 per cent pass rate results and to be working in Algeria on the delivery of their first ever NEBOSH course.
BSS also piloted this course in Libya as well.

Mr McLoughlin added: “ We hope our successes in these countries heralds the way towards our raising the standard of health and safety training even higher in North Africa.

100% pass rate for Fire Safety and Risk Management

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British Safety Services (BSS) has recently delivered a NEBOSH Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate for Coleg Gwent Business Development Unit. Eight delegates attended the 5 day course and were delighted with the 100% pass rate (5 credits, 3 passes). All but one of the delegates had previously completed the NEBOSH National General Certificate under BSS’s tuition.

First ever NEBOSH Health and Safety at Work course in Libya

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British Safety Services (BSS) have just delivered the first ever NEBOSH Award in Workplace Safety and Health, (Level2), course in conjunction with Green Land Oil Services & Supplies Co. Ltd. of Libya, their new JV Partner.
A National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) Health and Safety at Work Level 2 course was recently held in Tripoli, delivered in conjunction with Green Land at the prestigious state-of-the-art science and research library in Tajoura.

Mr George Borg D’Anastasi, Managing Director of Green Land said: “We recognise there are great opportunities to positively contribute to the growth of Libya with regards to health and safety and we want BSS to help us deliver this training because their reputation is excellent.

Working Safely at Height – method, equipment and training are top priorities!

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As the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and a major cause of accidents at work, Working at Heights presents many and varied problems, but they can be overcome by ensuring all workers are properly trained in method and usage of the correct equipment for the task.

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BSS Selected for New NEBOSH Courses

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British Safety Services (BSS) has been selected by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) to deliver two new courses.
The courses, piloted in Qatar, Libya, drew attendees from the oil and gas sectors. Their extreme success has resulted in them being officially launched this June.

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BSS Middle East Training Article

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By Pat McLoughlin, British Safety Services

Maintaining high standards in health and safety training has never been more important. The annual worldwide work-related death toll is a staggering 2.2 million people, according to a report prepared by the United Nations’ International Labour Office. In the UK, on average, more than 200 people die at work each year, and across the EU more than 2,500 people lose their lives. The injury/illness figure – more than 450 million worldwide, or about 1 in 8 of the working population – just doesn’t bear thinking about.As systems become more complex and work more challenging, the risks become greater and the importance of safe working practices increases proportionally. The growth and globalisation of the economy means that the same high standard of training, monitoring and supervision of health and safety is needed everywhere. In China, for example, the death toll in 2008 was 10.2% lower than the previous year, with 11.4 workers per 100,000 dying – in the US the figure is just 3.7; the European rate is 3.2 and the UK an enviable 0.7 per 100,000 workers.
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BSS Selected for New NEBOSH Pilot Courses

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British Safety Services (BSS) has been selected by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) to be one of the pilot centres for two new courses. The courses just launched are the NEBOSH Award in Workplace Health and Safety (pilot) and the NEBOSH International Certificate in Construction Health and Safety (pilot).

Based in Birmingham in the UK, but with offices in Doha, Dubai, Yemen and China, BSS is perfectly positioned to deliver these pilot courses across Europe and the Middle and Far East to help NEBOSH evaluate their success.

NEBOSH IGC 100% pass rate in Pakistan

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Congratulations to all 15 delegates who successfully completed their NEBOSH International General Certificate in April with BSS, achieving an impressive 40% Distinctions and 60% Credits.Well done to one and all.

Kuwait NEBOSH International General Certificate 100% Pass

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Congratulations to all of our students who successfully gained 71% Credits and 29% Passes on their NEBOSH International Certificate course despite english being a second language for all delegates.

Below are some of the students relaxing after their IGC1 and IGC2 examinations

BSS deliver first IGC course in Yemen

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British Safety Services (BSS) are proud to announce both the setup of their new office in Sana’a and the successful delivery of the first ever NEBOSH International General Certificate in Yemen.

As the name NEBOSH has spread, and its value as a qualification has become more widely recognised, BSS has experienced strong growth in the area with a demand for more training courses. The success in delivering other courses in Yemen meant that Total, Janna Hunt and International SOS, did not hesitate in asking BSS to deliver the first International General Certificate in the region.

Success for BSS students in Dubai

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British Safety Services (BSS) are proud to have been one of the first providers of NEBOSH training courses outside the UK, when they delivered the National General Certificate in Borneo in January 1994, with excellent pass rates. Since then, the company’s international reputation has gone from strength to strength as they have successfully trained students in China, Qatar, Yemen, Sudan and others.

PDF Download

BSS_Carillion Dubai FINAL.pdf

Their latest expansion into overseas training was with the NEBOSH National General Certificate delivered for Al-Futtaim-Carillion in Dubai. BSS had successfully delivered numerous training courses for Carillion in the UK and when Carillion International Managing Director, Richard Howson, wanted to ensure that Al-Futtaim Carillion became a leader in health, safety and efficiency in the region he contacted BSS to provide the same level of excellence. It was agreed that initially, all directors and senior managers would attend the NEBOSH National General Certificate, with other levels following the lead of such a senior level of staff. In the first two courses, 14 delegates achieved a 93% overall pass rate including 5 distinctions and 6 credits, which must be congratulated.

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Press Release: British Safety Services Dispels Myths – “All safety folk are boring, bearded, bespectacled, buffoons, only interested in being a kill-joy!”

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Pat McLoughlin (51) and Steve Burke (46), Directors of British Safety Services both have an enthusiasm which borders on an obsession – sailing. Pat and Steve will be entering the challenging 2007 Rolex Fastnet Race in August, this is a first for Steve but Pat was 30 years younger when last he entered.

The team (Team BSS) is comprised of six Health and Safety professionals with an average age of 52 years, a University lecturer and a PR Specialist, supported by two semi professional yachtsmen.

Each one relishes the chance of pitting their physical strength and sailing abilities against nature and 200 other boats in this bi-annual race and dispelling a myth

BSS Bursary PRIZE DRAW Scheme

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British Safety Services (BSS), world wide training provider and consultancy, has today launched an innovative service on their website. Visitors to the website who are looking to attend one of BSS’s NEBOSH, IOSH or other accredited courses may apply to WIN a bursary towards the cost of their course.
Open to applicants of all ages looking to develop in the field of Health and Safety, entrants will need to complete a short sentence as to why they should justifiably win this month’s bursary draw.

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Press Release: Fastent Training on Course – Cowes Island of Jersey 6th in class and Cowes St Malo 17th in class

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Team BSS are well on course for the challenges in August that are the Fastnet race.

With 2 excellent results under their belts, Team BSS are quietly confident of a good showing in the upcoming, (28-29 July), Channel Race.

Pat McLoughlin (51) and Steve Burke (46), Directors of British Safety Services both have an enthusiasm which borders on an obsession – sailing. Pat and Steve will be entering the challenging 2007 Rolex Fastnet Race in August, this is a first for Steve but Pat was 30 years younger when last he entered.
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Press Release: Fastnet latest

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With the Fastnet race 2007 only 2 weeks away, Team BSS embarked on their last training race in preparation for the big event. On the weekend of 28-29 July, and a very grey and overcast morning, a fleet of 91 yachts gathered on the start line for the start of the Channel Race; their last opportunity to sharpen up before the rigours of the Rolex Fastnet Race.

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BSS embark on final training racev2.doc

Press Release: British Safety Services – room naming 020707

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BSS tests their head for heights!

British Safety Services (BSS) recently celebrated the official opening of their new training facilities in Birmingham by inviting friends to scale new heights.

Photographs:

Top:
Steve Burke and Pat McLoughlin cutting the ribbon and Jeremy Stranks, Seko Takevisi and John Barrell with room plaques

Lower:
Dave Squires, Health Safety Manager P&O Ferrymasters testing his skills

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