Make time for training

Here, Martin Dunn, Senior Training Officer at Makita explains why it is so important for both new and experienced users of power tools to complete regular training throughout their career to ensure safety on site, and what to look for when selecting a course.

 

For any professional – whether they are just starting their career as an apprentice or job site assistant, or have been working in the industry for decades, training is a crucial aspect of the job. Making the time to gain knowledge, learn new skills, techniques and technologies whilst working safely can, in turn, help a business to prosper.

Why undertake training?

There are many aspects to landscaping work where a training course will be of benefit, even for the most experienced landscaper. One of the most important reasons for training is to ensure safe working practices and that equipment is used correctly – particularly as using brush cutters, blowers, hedge trimmers and forestry machines require expertise to meet today’s legal requirements.

 

Quite simply, a power tool improperly handled, can be dangerous and in the landscaping sector where physical ability is a huge part of the job, failing to use a power tool safely can end a career.

 

This is underpinned by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998, which requires those who own or operate work equipment to receive adequate training to ensure their safety. It also places responsibility on employers to ensure that anyone using equipment for work receives ‘adequate training for health and safety’.

 

Training on the latest tools and technologies is also advantageous for professionals at any stage of their career. We all have a favourite ‘old faithful’ in our kit but exploring and understanding new tools that can offer enhanced productivity, power, and performance can help professionals identify where an arduous job on site, could be made easier.

 

Identifying a training partner

Look to leading power tool manufacturers that can offer training courses that cover a range of subjects that can be delivered in both classroom and practical session environments. This allows participants to utilise the knowledge they have accumulated in the classroom, and transfer this into real world scenarios. As such, students become comfortable and familiar with the tools within a safe environment and without dangerous implications. A training provider that can offer flexible learning, so as not to disrupt work schedules is also ideal.

 

For example, Makita UK offers a ‘Be Safe – Grounds Maintenance, Landscaping and Forestry’ Course, which is offered on an individual or group basis. The session provides valuable training on best practices; how to select, and safely handle and store power tools; health and safety risk management; and PPE policies. It also includes a practical element where participants can get hands on with the tools and acquaint themselves with new product technologies.

 

The company also offers a comprehensive Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross-Cutting (ground level) Course, that is delivered in both a workshop and outdoor environment and is approved by UK Rural Skills.

 

Notably, the majority of Makita’s training sessions can be held directly on-site so that all employees can benefit from the training without the need to leave their place of work, or at one of Makita’s national Factory Service Centres (FSCs). Makita also offers ‘train the trainer’ instructors’ courses where professionals are trained by Makita to deliver specific training to the rest of their business and become a Makita-approved trainer.

 

Understanding the correct way to select and use outdoor power equipment such as chainsaws, earth augers, demolition hammers, and brush cutters can help users to understand the capacities of each tool and the suitability for the task. By remaining up to date on safety practices as well as the latest tool technologies, professionals can expand their skill set, grow their knowledge, and in turn add value to their landscaping business.

 

To find out more about the wide range of training courses that Makita offers, visit www.makitauk.com/training.

 

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