Site Foreman successfully completes IOSH training

Dibles Wharf Materials Recovery Facility Site Foreman Steve Thompson has recently completed the IOSH Managing Safely course. He undertook the course at Phoenix Health & Safety in Southampton, successfully passing the end assessments.

The course, which is designed for supervisors, managers and team leaders, provides the knowledge needed to be responsible for the health and safety of others in the workplace.

Across the three-day accredited course, IOSH Managing Safely gives those in positions of responsibility the knowledge they need to identify, evaluate and control workplace risks. This includes assessing the effectiveness and performance of the health and safety systems already in place across the delegate’s organisation. 

The course comprises seven units of study including: introducing managing safely, assessing risks, controlling risks, understanding responsibilities, understanding hazards, investigating incidents and measuring performance. Assessment consists of a multiple-choice test and a practical assessment, with a certificate being awarded upon successful competition of both elements.

The IOSH Managing Safely course was developed by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). This globally chartered body provides internationally recognised qualifications that promote high health and safety standards in the workplace, allowing employers to provide leading health and safety training to their staff. 

Steve said: “The course was really interesting; as Site Foreman I do a lot of paperwork and the course has enabled me to fully understand its relevance, my obligations as a supervisor and the expectations of others. It has also equipped me with the knowledge to conduct risk assessments with confidence and translate the importance of them to my team.”

Steve joined TJ in 2017 as a picking line operative at TJ’s Portsmouth Materials Recovery Facility, before progressing on to the role of relief machine operator and then a relief foreman for all TJ sites. In November 2022, he secured the role of Dibles Wharf Site Foreman. 

Steve reports to TJ’s Head of Compliance, Jack Macfarlane, who designed a programme of training for Steve including first aid and fire marshal training as well as other courses relevant to the role to ensure compliance in all areas of health and safety.

The next step on Steve’s CPD journey will be to commence the WAMITAB Level 4 Medium Risk Operator for Non-Hazardous Waste Treatment and Transfer course later in the year. This qualification is part of the WAMITAB Operator Competence Scheme, which is designed to enable permitted waste facilities in England and Wales to demonstrate that they employ technically-competent people with the knowledge and skills to ensure waste sites comply with Environmental Permitting Regulations (2007).

WAMITAB qualifications involve a set number of guided, 1-1 learning hours as well as additional personal study hours that you can complete at your own pace. Qualification time for these three qualifications ranges from 121 hours up to 241 hours depending on the subject, so these courses require a high level of commitment from participants.

Once active learning has commenced, the learner must check in with their tutor every two weeks to get their work reviewed and to enable the tutor to observe the learner conducting their duties on-site and report on them. Once the learning is complete for a qualification, the learner must submit written assignments along with supporting evidence.

WAMITAB is an awarding organisation and charity that develops qualifications for those working in waste management and recycling, cleaning and street cleansing, facilities management and parking. They work directly with industry leaders to shape and deliver employer-led qualifications that provide individuals with fit-for-purpose skills for the workplace. They also aim to embed a culture of safety and progression, making the industry more attractive as a career.

Steve added: “It’s a very challenging and fast-paced industry to work in, but they’ve always been very supportive; I really can’t fault them. As I’ve held a number of roles since joining, I’ve seen many aspects of the company and now that I’m in a managerial role, I’m putting all that background knowledge into practice with the help of Jack, and Operations Manager Jason Strudwick. The WAMITAB course will be the icing on the cake – fully understanding the treatment of hazardous and non-hazardous waste will be extremely beneficial.”

Learn more about the staff training that TJ provides…