Volunteer organisations 'need' health and safety training

Campaign launched by group of organisations to offer health and safety training and advice for volunteer organisations.

Health and safety training courses for the voluntary sector offered by the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives (SCHWL) are designed to raise awareness of the groups' obligations to their workers.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is working with the Scottish Trade Unions Congress and the SCHWL on the project.

Principle inspector of the HSE John Blackburn says it is important these organisations have "proper procedures" to prevent accidents.

He advises safety committees should be established to promote cooperation on these issues and should emphasise the volunteer's involvement with the company's obligations.

Mr Blackburn says: "Organisations have a moral as well as legal duty to be aware of health and safety and it also makes financial sense."

The SCHWL's health and safety training courses can be accessed both online and face-to-face.

It describes itself as a "catalyst and facilitator" for improved working lives in Scotland.