Keeping contractors safe and healthy
MPQC and SPA team up to provide single passport for all contractors working in the extractives sector
THE Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) and Safety Pass Alliance (SPA) have joined forces to provide a single passport to all contractors working in the extractives, processing and related manufacturing industries.
The passport, which is recognized by employers, has been jointly developed with industry to raise the standards in health and safety knowledge awareness for those contractors working on operating sites.
‘Contractors are an integral part of our everyday workforce and we have the same responsibility to them as we do for our full-time employees,’ said Phil James, executive director of MPQC.
‘We must provide them with access to training of the highest standards to allow them to work safely with lower risk to themselves and others. With this product employers can have confidence in the new system.’
MPQC says the course itself has changed; it is new, up to date and, for the first time, provides all successful contractors with a nationally recognized qualification – making it more than just another passport.
For employers, there is no need to waste time undertaking lengthy health and safety inductions, as they can be assured that holders of the MPQC/SPA passport have been trained by approved trainers, have received consistent levels of knowledge and have been tested to confirm their understanding. All provision is subject to independent quality assurance by MPQC Awarding Organisation.
According to MPQC, it is a win–win situation for all parties. All that employers need to do is check the passport is current, which takes just a few seconds. They can then concentrate on giving just site-specific induction.
Ray Gibbs of SPA said: ‘We are delighted to be working in partnership with MPQC delivering such a worthwhile course and product which will not only advance each participant’s knowledge of the safe working practices, behaviours and attitudes demanded by the sector, but also raise awareness of the cost implications of accidents; and how they can contribute to improving standards in health and safety across the sector.’
