Lafarge celebrate industry first in safety qualifications
Assistant quarry manager first to complete Level 6 Diploma in Health, Safety & Environmental Management
AN assistant quarry manager from Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete has become the first person in the UK to complete the recently launched Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Management Level 6 diploma for those operating in the extractive and mineral processing industry.
Chris Stanford, who has worked at Lafarge’s Husbands Bosworth site since 2006, was able to achieve the MPQC-certified vocational qualification within just nine months, having successfully undertaken 17 different learning units covering all aspects of site management.
The diploma directly replaces the former SHE Level 4 QCF qualification, and is designed to encourage the implementation of greater cost-saving measures and improved health and safety across the industry.
Regarded as a more detailed assessment than the preceding qualification, SHE Level 6 QCF requires in-depth investigation of accident and incidents, promotion of safety cultures, and analysis of staff training and risk through stringent on-site assessment and evidence gathering.
Speaking about his achievement, Mr Stanford (centre of picture) said he found the qualification both challenging and interesting. ‘I was surprised at the volume of knowledge I had to cover; it was far more than I initially expected,’ he commented.
However, he said the use of the electronic portfolio and the support he received from his assessor, his line manager, and the team on site had allowed him to complete the qualification alongside his normal duties.
‘Being able to demonstrate my competence in line with company requirements will be of benefit to both myself and my colleagues,’ he added.
Dawn Edwards, head of HSQE at Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete, commented: ‘We are extremely proud that, thanks to Chris’ hard work, Lafarge are once again seen to be leading the way in raising industry standards in health and safety.
‘Having already achieved the accolade of being first to complete the SHE Level 4 when that was initially introduced by the MPQC, safety continues to be very much at the top of our agenda.
‘With his commitment to achieving the Level 6 diploma in such a relatively short time frame, Chris has proven that Lafarge’s dedication to always ensuring health and safety best practice is prevalent at every level of our business. He is a real credit to both his team and the company as a whole.’
Roseanne Hayward, general manager of MPQC Awarding Organisation, added: ‘It is always extremely satisfying when the qualifications we develop jointly with industry not only deliver individual development and proof of competence, but are viewed by the individual as a worthwhile and valued experience.’
