The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has joined forces with a host of organisations to help local businesses benefit from a new and innovative support project.
The Estates Excellence project is being spearheaded by organisations committed to health and safety across the South East to fulfil the need for advice and training for businesses and workers.
Partners include Slough Borough Council, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Federation of Small Businesses, EEF, SEGRO, SERCO, SERTUC and local business groups.
Specially-trained visiting staff will call on small and medium-sized businesses on industrial estates in and around Slough and offer advice to managers and workers on how to 'Get it Right', 'Get Efficient' and 'Get Fit for Work'.
The project will provide free workshops, training, advice and guidance specifically targeted to a business' individual needs, including free access to basic occupational health testing for noise, vibration, dermatitis and lung function.
The Project Director of Estates Excellence Heather Bryant, from HSE, said: "We welcome the involvement of Slough Borough Council in this wide-reaching project. There has been a great response from business to this work in other regions, and we aim to help many local Slough businesses in the coming weeks."
Advisory visits to businesses will take place during 19 - 30 April, followed by free training sessions and workshops scheduled to take place during 17 - 28 May.
Cllr Shafiq Chaudhry, Commissioner for Community and Leisure, said: "Health and safety at work is paramount and I would urge anyone with a business in the town to get involved in the project."
Bala Subramnian from the Federation of Small Businesses said: "What's so great about Estates Excellence is that it has absolutely no cost to small businesses themselves and that they get a fast and effective way of improving their health and safety. Working together, lots of organisations in and around Slough are offering their expertise for free and around two hundred and fifty small businesses will be given a health and safety boost as a result."
Gordon Storey DL, chair of Slough Business Community Partnership, said: "SBCP is delighted to be able to support Slough Borough Council and the Estates Excellence initiative. On March 18 we presented an opportunity at one of our regular Business 2 Business meetings, for a wide range of business representatives to meet the Health and Safety Executive."
Paul Unsworth, Chair of the LG Regulation (formerly LACORS) health and safety portfolio, said: "This initiative is a real demonstration of local councils and HSE working together as enforcing agencies to help support local business tackle real risks in simple and straightforward ways. It recognises that healthy workforces lead to healthy profits and has drawn together a great partnership to try to achieve it."
Interviews with Project Director Heather Bryant and Slough Borough Council spokesperson are available on request.
Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.
Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News & PR South East
Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office who act as HSE's Press Office throughout Great Britain.
Social media
Javascript is required to use HSE website social media functionality.
Follow HSE on Twitter:
Follow @H_S_E