Working safely around live services with safe dig training at Bethell

Last week Bethell welcomed representatives from United Utilities and Salford City College to the latest of our company-wide safe dig training sessions, which were conducted over a 2-day period at our Kearsley head office and the purpose-built Highways Maintenance Academy at Salford City College.

The Highways Maintenance Academy facility has already received plenty of attention in the industry due to its innovative nature, being shortlisted for a Safety and Wellbeing Award at the annual CIHT North West Awards Dinner and as a finalist in the Highway Partnership Award category for the upcoming Highways Awards in London.

As everything we do is led by our “Work Safe Home Safe” safety ethos, Bethell sought to introduce safe dig training across the organisation to promote awareness of safe excavation techniques.

Delegates are provided with knowledge and competence in safe digging practices, including using cable avoidance tools, understanding differing ground conditions, identifying buried apparatus before and after excavation, and protecting others in the vicinity of the works.

The syllabus is designed to reflect the realities of the environment that our operatives work in every day, allowing them to ensure it remains safe for everyone.

During the training, operatives participated in a blended mixture of classroom and practical learning with an agenda designed and delivered by our Bethell in-house health and safety team.

The delivery of our safe dig training interactive sessions at the Highway Maintenance Academy has been supported by a sizeable investment made by Bethell towards the installation of concrete boxes with adjustable replica utilities and a deep excavation unit, allowing for the driving of sheet piles and installation of frames. The replica utilities are designed to aid the training of CAT & Genny use and awareness during the training course.