Three services have been refreshed: training for health & safety, occupational health and occupational hygiene.
BPIF Consultancy services director Phil Pateman said: “We have always been strong on health & safety but it needed a refresh. We have a complement of in-house staff but wanted a service-provider company to help our geographic spread without adding extra cost. There is more desire for on-site courses.
“There is also a feeling business is picking up and companies are aiming to develop core skills. In recession people look to cut spending, which can prove costly, as legislation is constantly changing and you could leave yourself more open to compensation claims unless your business is up to date.”
Health & safety training courses include an annual health & safety management package offering members up to eight days' consultancy services or training courses from 17 modules such as fire risk, managing safety, first aid and forklift training.
Occupational health training offers a new product called an employee wellness scheme (EWS). This offers work and personal advice 24/7 on issues such as workplace bullying, alcohol abuse, sickness absence and marriage guidance. Health screening medical assessments are also available.
Occupational hygiene services include advice on local exhaust ventilation testing, workplace air and noise monitoring, and handling asbestos or hazardous chemicals. Pateman would not name the service providers the BPIF has teamed up with, but they have national coverage, he said.
On pricing Pateman said the service was “very competitive”. A three-day Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) management course, for example, typically costs between £450 and £600 from an external provider. The BPIF Consultancy course is priced at £525.
“We've worked on a pricing structure we think is more commercial, and people can pick and mix training packages. Some companies have employed new staff while others have certain skills on one site but not on another. We are making it easier for them to tailor their training.”
He added: “There is an appetite for companies to engage more in these areas and we want to be the first port of call to all the print industry when it comes to providing these services.”
