Five a Day campaign targets doors and windows industries
27th January 2015
Doors and windows firms are being encouraged to focus on their ‘five a day’ to get the industries fitter and healthier this year.
This is not about fruit and veg, though. The five a day campaign from the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) outlines five activities that it believes are essential to the health and wellbeing of the sectors in the run up to this year’s General Election, less than 100 days away.
Iain McIlwee, chief executive of the BWF, explains the five essentials for 2015:
1. Stay safe.
“I don’t need to remind the industry just how hazardous it can be in a workshop or on a construction site. We all need to commit to a culture that promotes our employees as our most valuable resource and keeps them safe and well,” says Iain.
“We believe that safety and health are core values to every successful business. So if you’re a BWF member, sign up to the Health and Safety Hero campaign – a new initiative to achieve zero tolerance in respect of fatal injuries, RIDDOR related incidents and occupational ill health incidents in the woodworking industry.”
You can download a pledge form here: www.bwf.org.uk/campaigns/health-and-safety
2. Keep on learning.
Dave Campbell, manager of the Woodworking Industry Training Forum, the training arm of the BWF, says:
“Despite hard times, ours is an industry that continues to look to the future. We have the best track record of any industry in our provision of apprenticeships, a record we can be very proud of.
“But we must continue to invest in skills and training. And whether you’re an apprentice just starting out, or the managing director of a firm, the BWF’s specialist continuing professional development (CPD) programme enables both individuals and companies to develop skills, record success and recognise development needed for your business to excel.”
You can find out more here: www.bwf.org.uk/campaigns/skills-and-training
3. Inspire the next generation
The Government’s Chief Construction Adviser, Peter Hansford, is calling for every business in construction, big and small, to adopt a school. So this year, says the BWF, why not offer to go in and give a talk about what your industries and why they are attractive to school leavers.
Dave Campbell explains:
“Where is the nearest school to you with a Design and Technology teacher? Give them a call and see if there is anything you could do to help towards their curriculum and inspire the youngsters about future career opportunities I n woodworking and joinery. For older students consider offering work placements, factory or site visits, and a process to recruit new apprentices.”
4. Don’t waste a good Election
Iain McIlwee urges the industry to get politically active:
“If we miss this opportunity it’ll be another five years before we’ll get another serious chance to influence politics in this country and the policies we need for industry growth. This year’s General Election looks like being the most interesting for a generation.
“Now is the time to contact your local MP and the new Prospective Parliamentary Candidates hoping to be voted in this May. Invite them to come and see your business and learn about the importance of the doors and windows industries to the British economy, environment and society.”
You will find all sorts of useful information in the BWF Policy Manifesto here: www.bwf.org.uk/campaigns
5. Get recognition for how great you are
The BWF’s final challenge to the industry is to get better at its own PR:
“No more modesty in 2015, ok? This is the year to get your best projects celebrated through the BWF Awards. And if you start the process now, you won’t run out of time when entries close in June,” says Iain McIlwee.
“The BWF showcases the best in the joinery and woodworking industry through its prestigious awards programme, with categories covering technical innovation, business efficiency, health and safety and apprenticeships. The Awards are open to both members and non-members of the BWF, as long as they are from the joinery and woodworking sector, so there really is no reason not to enter this year.”
You can find out more here: www.bwf.org.uk/choose-wood/awards
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