LSC Kent Train to Gain

LSC KENT AND MEDWAY WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME - HEALTH AND SAFETY MONITORING

Safety Solutions (UK) are contracted to the LSC Kent and Medway to carry out health and safety checks on employers who are prepared to accept students for work experience placements within their company/business. Kent Works liaise with schools and colleges to identify both the employers and the student. Safety Solutions consultants are all qualified and experienced Safety Practitioners who assess the work activity hazards and risks, relevant legislation and safe working practices (including Employers Liability) and whether the employer's safety policy/procedures ,control measures ,risk assessments are 'suitable and sufficient' to protect workers from 'danger or harm'. A further important factor to be considered is whether effective supervision can be maintained for the placement.

WHY IS THIS PROCESS NECESSARY?

Placements are usually in the 14-19 age group and this will often be their first experience of the world of work that they are about to enter. The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) have identified the horrific number of workplace accidents, many of them serious and disabling , which occur during work placement. Parents need to be assured that their children are safe in their workplace - this is the purpose of the safety monitoring visits undertaken by Safety Solutions (UK) which are carried out under the strict rules set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Learning and Skills Council .

Students on work experience are given the opportunity to do a job alongside - and to some extent - in the same way as other employed people at the same workplace. However these young people will find themselves outside the disciplined school environment , in the company of adult strangers and with unfamiliar chains of command. Their immaturity and inexperience of work, unaware of potential dangers for instance use of chemicals and powerful machinery and eagerness to impress or please other people are some of the reasons the HSE identify is the reason young people need to be placed with caring and safety conscious employers.

Detailed information and guidance regarding work experience placements can be found on Learning and Skills Council web site www.safelearner.info ; www.hse.gov.uk/youngpeople . For general information on workplace safety go to www.hse.gov.uk or for Kent call Safety Solutions at 01322 303399.

LSC TRAIN TO GAIN SCHEME - SUBSIDISED GOVERNMENT VOCATIONAL FUNDING

The Learning and Skill Council recently announced the new Train to Gain Scheme whereby funding is available to Providers, Employers to help employees gain their first Level 2 Skills qualification. This is an independent and impartial skills 'brokerage' providing employers with free diagnosis and analysis that identifies organisations' skills gaps and future skills needs. Part of the service provides funding to help employees to achieve a Level Two vocational qualification, if they do not already have one.

From an employers point of view this government subsidy recognizes the legal requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act and supporting regulations that require training leading to competence at all levels . Funding under the 'Train to Gain' scheme will help employers to provide the training - IOSH Managing or Working Safely / NVQ's in Health and Safety or similar Level 2 programs at reduced costs. Some NEBOSH Level 3 qualifications may be fundable.

Safety Solutions are being appointed as accredited providers under the scheme for Health, Safety and Environmental training and qualifications. Employers are invited to 'express an interest' in the scheme after which the LSC appointed 'Skills Broker' will visit to discuss local requirements.

For further information please email r.lakha@safety-solutions.co.uk