A Burnley manufacturer teamed with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service to boost safety skills across its site.

Burnley-based VEKA plc, produces window and door systems and delivered scenario-based team training sessions at its 400,000 sq. ft site at the Rossendale Road Industrial Estate. The company employs 450 staff.

VEKA operates with appointed team members as fire marshals, safety representatives and first aiders. 

The training session was led by head of SHEQ, Richard Patten, and Barry Hindle, SHEQ coordinator, the training session with the fire and rescue service and invited 22 attendees aimed at providing employees with skills needed for effective fire control and evacuation control methods.

Richard said: "The focus of this training was not only teaching our team theoretical knowledge but also practical application. 

“We uphold the highest levels of safety across the VEKA site, and by working closely with the East Lancashire Fire and Rescue service, we've ensured that our team is not only prepared but also confident in their roles in the event of any emergencies occurring.”

The company employs 450 staff across its site

Richard added: “Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the event's success in offering hands-on experience for these types of scenarios. 

"The fire and rescue service also found the training extremely useful and it was great to build relationships with the team. 

“Our aspirations are to run a training event every quarter as this not only familiarises the fire and rescue service with our facility but also ensures we have extremely capable safety related representatives within our organisation.”