1	Workers Safety Advisor Challenge Fund Project 2006/07 St Helens Chamber St Helens Council St Helens Healthy Living - PCT St Helens Chamber H&S Focus Group
2	Role of the WSA Encourage participation in the project Offer free assistance and guidance in complying with H&S legislation Policies and procedures Risk assessments Free training for employees Health and safety Healthy Living Facilitator Free occupational health advice Encourage employee involvement in health and safety solutions Long term benefits Health Safety Welfare Moral Financial.
3	Communication & Involvement
4	Employee training ASET Level 2 Representatives for workplace health and safety 12 Funded places available Course scheduled for early February 2007 Passport to Health ‘Facilitator’ PCT/St Helens Healthy Living Programme 10 Funded places available Course scheduled for Late January 2007
5	Buddying Sharing resources H&S Knowledge, Information, Facilities, Training courses Reducing cost of inspections/assessments Group bookings Fire Risk Assessments Mentoring best practice Similar businesses Smaller businesses Employees Companies involved Helena Housing St Helens College NGF/CEW recycling Spooner Vicars A&M Insulation
6	Business sectors
7	Project Progress – June to November 70 Companies Signposted 33 Chamber advisors 8 Forum/Focus group 2 SHBC 27 Marketing Number of initial visits 70 Number of companies engaged 66 Total number of visits 211 (500+ hrs) to date Future visits booked 44 to 31/01/07 5 new companies Safety Champions 12 P2H Facilitators 5 Buddy Companies 4
8	Emerging Benefits Managers changing approach to H&S Managing safety Increased employee activity and involvement Carrying out risk assessments, inspections, toolbox talks Developing safe systems of work and safety arrangements Increased involvement in safety briefings Increase in H&S training for managers and employees H&S Foundation Risk Assessment Manual Handling 1^st Aid Food Hygiene “The main benefit to any company is that the services of the Workers Safety Advisor are free and are proving to be a valuable resource in improving health and safety and welfare in our workplace”. Mike Ball H&S Co-ordinator Spooner Vicars “After just 2 months into the WSA project we feel that big strides have already been made in increasing our awareness to health and safety and therefore improving the working environment for both staff and volunteers”. Tony Mullen St Marks Community Development Team
9	If you have any questions or are interested in becoming involved in the Workers Safety Advisor Project please speak to John Hughes St Helens Chamber Workers Safety Advisor Who will be available at the end of today’s Health & Safety Forum