An example of an initiative that was undertaken was the implementation of a training programme to ensure that men returned to work safely when the company was formed in 1995. A thirteen week assessment was carried out of the majority of the employees. This contributed to a dramatic improvement in the accident rate which in turn improved moral and efficiency and culminated in a reduction in our employees liability insurance premium of half a million pounds. The training that was completed was of such a benefit to the company that it was recognised by the Department for Education and Employment as being worthy of the prestigious National Training Award.

    With training being so closely linked to safety
    the company also decided to pursue the
    standard of Investor In People which we
    attained in March 1997.

    We are also the forerunner for NVQ's within
    the industry. Tower Colliery is the first mining
    company to be accredited by BTEC (now
    EdExcel) as an NVQ examination centre and
    we have begun to run a level 2 course in
    mining operations.

Growth And Development

A good safety record brings about improvements in morale and efficiency (less absenteeism). Continuity of production also benefits due to less downtime through accident investigation. Communication throughout the organisation also improves as management and men have a common interest in safety.

   Mr. A. J. Walker Safety Engineer said that :
   "The company benefits directly as a result of these improvements
   and also through the reduction in insurance premiums. In view of
   the fact that we are a very high profile company we are also aware
   of the negative publicity that could result from a serious accident
   or incident."

Plans For The Future

We are committed to continuing the development of NVQ's within the mining industry. We currently employ 5 apprentices under the Modern Apprenticeship scheme who are working towards a Level 3 Engineering NVQ.

All present and future in house training schemes are being developed along the lines of the NVQ format.

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