In addition to well-maintained equipment, well-trained staff who work efficiently and safely are the bedrock of any furniture, woodworking and joinery manufacturer. Furniture & Joinery Production spoke to Alex Dalton, director of Daltons Wadkin, asking him how his company tackles this crucial element of the business.
Q: Daltons Wadkin is a company steeped in experince and know-how – so how is the company placed today as a provider of professional training for the furniture and joinery manufacturing sectors?
A: “We have been providing industry-led training for over 10 years. In recent years, we have been working closely with experienced training provider John Gubb of Safety Training Woodworking in expanding our team of regionally-based trainers.
“Our aim is to be the UK’s leading operator training company pushing the standards and delivery of training to a new high in the industry.”
Q: Why does training matter – isn’t on-the-job peer supervision adequate? What effect does poorly or well trained staff have on a business?
A: “The law (under PUWER) requires that all workers must receive adequate training, including refresher training. Poor supervision and inadequate training are two of the main causes of accidents.
“It also makes good business sense to make sure your employees are working efficiently and safely. Employers and employees should also note that training applies to not only machine operators but also people who assist in the machining process (taking off, feeding, loading etc) as well as those who set, clean and maintain the machines.
“At best, a lack of training will result in operators working poorly and inefficiently. At worst it can result in serious injuries with heavy fines and penalties.”
Q: What types and grades of courses, schemes and accreditations are available from Daltons Wadkin?
A: “We offer a range of new starter and refresher training courses on over a dozen machine types as well as hand-held tools and abrasive wheel courses. Courses are tailored around companies or individuals based on their unique requirements. Personalised certification is issued to each learner upon successful completion of the course.
“All of our operator training courses are in accordance with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, the Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.”
Q: What facilities and course options are on offer?
A: “The vast majority of training is delivered at our customers’ premises using their own equipment but we also hold courses at our leading facility in Nottingham.
“We can train on any make or model of machine just so long as it is PUWER compliant and in a suitable and safe environment. If customers are unsure as to the suitability of their own equipment we can carry out a PUWER report and follow up with any remedial work as required prior to the start of the course.
“The format of each course varies, but generally learners are divided into groups of four or five with each group covering one machine type at a time. Everything is covered – an introduction to the basic function and identifying parts, tooling, specific hazards, safe operation, limitations, practical machine operation, practical and theoretical assessment.”
Q: Who runs the courses and what makes the DW courses stand out from the crowd?
A: “Our courses have been honed over the past 10 years through customer and trainer feedback with continual review to reflect any changes in the law.
“Considerable investment has been made in the past 12 months developing what we believe to be the best training materials available. These are issued and kept by each learner for use on the course and for future referral. Currently these cover over 12 machine units with more in the pipeline for release later this year.
“Each of our trainers has extensive experience in the industry, using and operating the very machines they now train on. In addition, each trainer has also completed an NVQ level 3 award in Education and Training to ensure they have the right skills to effectively deliver and asses the course material.
“Our combination of industry experience as a company, combined with the exclusive training materials delivered by time served experienced trainers – makes our operator training services second to none.”
