The single most important step towards safe practice is ensuring that competent persons are mobilised. Recent campaigns, such as No Falls Week spearheaded by the No Falls Foundation, have spotlighted the vital role that formal training and continued professional development play in promoting workplace safety.
The United Kingdom Metal Decking Association (UKMDA) is urging organisations involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of steel structures to consider how specialist training contributes to safety within their industry.
Tony Seddon, UKMDA Company Secretary, stated, “The UKMDA was instrumental in reintroducing specialised training almost a decade ago. Since then, we’ve seen a positive commitment from our industry to upskill their workforce, and we cannot take our foot off the gas when it comes to promoting safe working practices.”
Companies can choose from two training routes, tailored to fit their unique needs and operational demands.
The two-day Core Competency course is a powerhouse of essential skills, covering Work at Height, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Cartridge & Gas Actuated Tools, HAVS, and Abrasive Wheels. This comprehensive training ensures employees are well-equipped to operate safely at height and within steel construction environments.
Tony continues, “The Core Competency training offers exceptional value. It requires only two days off-site yet delivers extensive safety and operational knowledge. Plus, the course is flexible – we recently added a safety harness module to meet specific business needs. Over 500 operatives have already benefited from this tailored approach.”
The second training route is the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Metal Decking and Stud Welding Operations, backed by the CITB. Reintroduced in 2015, this qualification has become a cornerstone for those embarking on a career in Metal Decking and Stud Welding. Upon successful completion, users earn a Blue Skilled Worker CSCS card, marking them as highly competent professionals in their field.
Tony concludes, “Ensuring every person in the steel and construction industry has the necessary understanding to perform their role safely is paramount. UKMDA Training, through these two industry-backed routes, empowers employers of all sizes to equip their teams with the essential tools and knowledge to operate safely at all times.”
The UKMDA urges companies within the steel construction industry to evaluate the competency of their workforce and invest in the training necessary to ensure they can perform their roles as safely as possible.
You can find out more about the training on offer here: https://ukmda.org.uk/training-qualification
