Larne Puts Safety In Focus

A unique partnership between Larne Borough Council and ChainHR, a community based social enterprise has been launched to provide quality assured environmental safety training for businesses and organisations throughout Northern Ireland.

The 'Safe People - Safe Places' suite of courses are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and will provide an excellent resource for companies who are striving to meet the highest standards of safety in the workplace.

The new environmental training facility based at Willowbank Business and Management Centre in Larne will offer basic, intermediate and advanced courses in food safety, fire safety and health and safety.

Delivered by experienced CIEH accredited trainers and quality assured by both ChainHR and Larne Borough Council, the courses will provide businesses with a ‘one stop shop’ for environmental training.

Commenting on the new training centre Steve Cooper, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Trustee and NI Region Secretary said: "The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health is pleased to be associated with the Safe People, Safe Places initiative.

"As an awarding body we provide qualifications in food safety, health and safety, and environmental protection providing a huge choice in safety training courses that can be delivered locally through our accredited trainers.

"This initiative will deliver qualifications and training courses that meet the national demand for various skill levels and our courses are regarded as the 'Gold Standard” throughout the UK and increasingly worldwide," he said.

Geraldine McGahey, Chief Executive of Larne Borough Council said: "This is an innovative and progressive approach by a local authority in partnership with the social economy, aimed at supporting environmental health and safety in the workplace.

"The Council is committed to supporting its local business community through a range of initiatives and this new programme is a valuable contribution to these on-going efforts.

"I would encourage anyone who has not yet become involved to explore this and the many other opportunities that the Council provides for business growth and development," she concluded.

(GK/BMcC)