HE Simm uses online business training in new scheme

A Liverpool-based engineering, mechanical and public health firm is using e-learning as part of a new training scheme that it hopes will up-skill its whole UK supply chain.

HE Simm is looking to provide subsidised education to nearly 100 stakeholder companies through its passport to work (PTW) initiative, in order to boost its on-site health and safety competence.

This will include rolling out an online portal to give the stakeholders access to permit-to-work updates, guidelines and training information.

As part of the scheme, the organisation is ensuring every operative in its nationwide projects will have received Institution of Occupational Safety and Health guidance.

Gareth Simm, managing director of the business, said the scheme is key to providing the safest possible working practices for all staff and stakeholders.

"This is part of our overall Focus 30 initiative, which launched to all stakeholders in May, to improve the health, environment, safety and quality practices of our whole supply chain," he added.

Due to begin on March 1st next year, the company is hoping the scheme will provide training to more than 500 people by the summer.

It is also aiming to generate insurance savings for the entire supply chain, while HE Simm is currently in talks with a major insurer to get Focus 30 accreditation officially recognised.

Mr Simm stated the drive for the training is to create an accident-free working environment, while supporting partners to up-skill their employees.

"We want to lead from the top and ensure that everyone working for HE Simm is fully trained to an excellent standard and can be relied on to work safely and responsibly," he remarked.

As well as the e-learning facility, HE Simm has provided workers with a PTW access card so they are aware at all times of everyone working on-site across the UK.

The company has already run several workshops - alongside more than 50 companies - in its supply chain, which have all given their backing to the PTW scheme.