The Salford Highways Maintenance Academy, a beacon of learning and skill development, has opened its doors for the first time to eager apprentices, ready to pave the way for safer and more efficient highways across the UK. And standing beside this venture is iTip Safety Handles, championing safety and innovation in construction.
Meeting with Allan Milne and the management team, Simon and Martin from Safety Handles arrived at Salford City College Group bearing gifts of enhanced safety equipment. Among them were special safety-reinforced wheelbarrows and sets of Safety Handles designed to mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSK), a common concern for NHS England as well as the construction and highways maintenance industry.
Promoting Safety in Highways Maintenance. Allan Milne, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement, Paul Healey, City Skills Centre Principal. Main picture features Paul and Greg Derbyshire (in green), Head of Construction, Martin Ball and Simon Allder from iTip Safety Handles (high visibility jackets).
The ethos behind Safety Handles is clear: to revolutionize safety standards and protect the workforce from potential long term injuries. With ergonomic designs, these handles offer more than just convenience; they offer peace of mind, knowing that the risk of strain and injury is significantly reduced.
Simon Allder from Safety Handles, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with the Salford Highways Maintenance Academy, stating,
"It is great to be supporting the guys maintaining our highways and making sure they know how to operate safely."
This sentiment echoes the core mission of the academy—to equip the next generation of highways maintenance professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in their field while prioritizing their safety and well-being.
This collaboration came about through Local Council Roads Innovation Group (LCRIG) where new innovations and ideas are exchanged.
As the first intake of students embarks on their apprenticeship journey, they do so with the assurance that their safety is paramount. The provision of outdoor practical areas, coupled with state-of-the-art safety equipment, sets the stage for a learning environment where students can thrive and develop the skills needed to excel in their profession.
In a world where safety is non-negotiable, partnerships like the one between Safety Handles and the Highways Maintenance Academy serve as beacons of progress. Together, they pave the way for a future where accidents are minimized, injuries are prevented, and the workforce is empowered to carry out their duties with confidence and peace of mind.
As the Highways Maintenance Academy continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant: its unwavering commitment to safety and excellence.
Allan Milne, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Salford City College Group (SCCG) provides an overview of the collaboration between Salford City College and LCRIG to create the Highway Maintenance Academy apprenticeship here. Course information can be found here.
For more details on Safety Handles contact Hello@SafetyHandles.co.uk or ring 0333 800 5000.
