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Any MEWP operator must be concerned with safety – from the machine itself, to the people working or otherwise in the vicinity. The machine must be operated within its specified limits, and safety devices must not be interfered with or ignored.

But, more than taking adequate precautions while at work, MEWP operators must have received adequate training for the type of machine they are going to use and be able to prove it.

The legislation covering MEWP operation is the Health & Safety at Work Act, 1974, and Regulation 9 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). Employers who fail to provide appropriate staff training may be liable to prosecution, which can result in heavy fines and, in extreme cases, even imprisonment. Part-time operators require the same training as full-time operators, and you will find that hire companies will insist that they only hand over a MEWP to a trained operator or someone who has attained demonstrator standard.

The standard for MEWP training

What kind of training is best? We recommend a qualification that is awarded by an internationally recognised body, and is recognised by the MCG (Main Contractors Group). Look for certification such as those offered by IPAF that conform to ISO 18878:2004 (Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driving) training). The best courses will ensure you comply with all current legislation.

Look for a course that awards a card showing your qualifications, gives confirmation of the holder’s identity and which categories of MEWP they are qualified to operate. Some training companies offer to enter trainees who have successfully completed the course on a national database.

The right kind of qualifications do not expire, although most employers write the need for refresher courses into their Health & Safety documentation.

Choose the right course

Courses are available for a range of different machines, including:

Static Vertical Personnel Platform (1a) – compact vertical platforms that are often used in interior or confined spaces
Static boom, Trailer Mounted (1b) – lightweight, highly manoeuvrable and versatile all-rounders which can be pushed by hand and are built on to a trailer
Static Boom Truck/Van Mounted (1b) – versatile work platforms built on to a non-HGV truck
Mobile vertical platforms (3a) AKA scissor lifts – ideal for interior use. Provides a large platform area and can be driven while the platform is raised
Self-Propelled Boom (3b) – used inside or outside, these machines can driven with the platform raised. Extra out reach gives additional versatility
Spider (1b) – a versatile machine with multiple outrigger settings

Codes in brackets are the IPAF category for the training and shows which categories of MEWPs you will be registered to operate.

Skills taught should include pre-start and running checks, emergency procedures, operating the control, and manoeuvring the MEWP in situations with limited access.

You should be sure that the course is appropriate to the kind of MEWP being used, as training on one kind of platform is not transferable to another – laying the individual and the company open to prosecution.

Dealing With Lost Earnings after Suffering from Work-related Accidents

After having suffered due to work-related injuries, are you entitled to get back the earnings you have lost, especially if you were unable to attend to your job duties and if your employer has ceased including you in the office payroll? Before you think of getting a specific amount for your claim, you need to understand first what makes you entitled for the claim in the first place.

It is the responsibility of every employer, according to English Law, to guarantee the safety and security of the employers while at work, and to give ample protection against any potential injuries. One of the most essential aspects of the English Legal system is the law on negligence. While this law on negligence already provided enough protection to employers, there are other legislative acts which also provide more employer rights. One of these is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, which provides that any equipment failure that leads to the injury of the employee is the fault of the employer.

Since all employees are covered by these laws on workplace safety, you can always seek the advice of work accident solicitors, in case you suffer from an injury while at work. These solicitors will help evaluate your case to determine if you can make a claim or not.

Determining the Amount You Can Claim from Your Lost Earnings

After determining that you are certainly entitled in making a claim for the earnings you have lost, you will need to assess the total amount you can claim afterward. Typically, the claim will have to include the basic salary entitled to you, overtime pays, as well as any promotions which could have been yours, if the accident did not occur. If you will be unable to work in the future years, this will have to be included in your claim, too.

The Basic Salary Entitled To You

In order for you to make a full claim on your basic salary, you would need to have copies of your old salary slips. A work accident solicitor can help you obtain the necessary copies from your employer, if you have misplaced any of the slips.

Calculating the Overtime Pay

Through your wage slips, the average overtime pay entitled to you will be determined, specifically during a period of three to six months. You will be able to claim the average amount, in order to compensate for the period you have spent away from work.

In the event that the time of your absence has coincided with a busy period at your workplace which also translates to higher earnings, you may have to provide proofs for confirmation. Typically, you would need to obtain copies of your colleagues’ payslips and even from your clients or employer.

Instances of Promotions

After being away from your job and your duties for a prolonged period of time, you will also need to take into account any neglected opportunities or instances of professional advancement due to your absence. This is also important in case you won’t be able to return to work anymore. Getting an assessment from the managers and evaluating the promotions of your officemates will be valuable in this case.

Lost Earnings Claim Summary

Before you can make a successful claim on your lost earnings due to work-related injuries, you would need to find sufficient evidence as a support. The work accident solicitor will assist you in getting the amount due to you, which constitutes your lost earnings claim, while away from your job.

If you have had an accident at work and it wasn’t your fault then chances are you will be able to claim compensation for your injuries and losses.

Accidents can happen for many reasons; it can be due to a lack of guards on a machine, you could slip on a spilt liquid, work equipment or protective clothing can be defective or inadequate, it can be even due to the negligent or dangerous behaviour of your workmates.

Whatever the reason you can look to claim for your injuries and losses.

What to do when you have an accident: 

Always report it straight away and make sure that it is entered into the accident book; all businesses are required to have an accident book; if there isn’t one make sure that all details of the accident are written down and signed as being accurate by both you and your foreman, HR rep etc. Just make sure it is someone with authority and who will be accountable for the report.

Get the names and details of any witnesses; if possible get a signed statement as soon as possible. This doesn’t have to be a formal legal document; just an accurate record of what they saw and what, if possible, what caused the accident.

If possible and appropriate get a photograph of whatever caused your accident.

Seek first aid and have it recorded or if more serious get yourself down to your local A&E. You will need to show that you suffered an injury and a record of your visit to the hospital will go a long way to support your claim.

A couple of things to note.

Your employer is responsible for the actions of your colleagues and workmates, this is known as vicarious liability, and so if a workmate pulls a stupid prank and you are injured then your employer may well be in line to pay you your compensation.

You may find that, after you lodge your claim, your employer will miraculously produce half a dozen statements; all the same, that holds you responsible for the accident. You may also find that once proceedings are issued, these witnesses fade into the background and their statements are withdrawn – drawn your own conclusions from that.

Machines and all equipment must always work; it doesn’t matter if a machine was inspected at 9.00 a.m. if it blows up at 9.30. a.m. and you are injured then you can make a claim.

If you have had an accident you can look to claim for: 

Injuries sustained including mental stress and trauma
Treatment costs such as physiotherapy etc.
Lost income
Care and Assistance from family and friends while you are recovering
Prejudice on the job market (known in the trade as a Smith v Manchester award)
Other losses arising as a result of the accident

If you have had an accident at work and want to claim the damages that you are entitled to then speak to a solicitor who knows what they are doing and has the knowledge and experience to deal with your claim.

According to the law, your place of work is responsible for providing a safe working environment. This means that if you have suffered an injury at work, by law you are entitled to seek compensation. This should include help with medical bills and a re-imbursement of earnings lost due to the injury and time off work.

However this may not be as simple as one may think, as some employees have taken advantage in the past, meaning that both insurance companies and the law can be reluctant to compensate accidents at work.

Like any other insurance, the incident leading to injury at the work place will be thoroughly investigated in order to determine the cause. In order to receive compensation for work injury, it is vital to prove that the fault lies entirely with the employer. This means that the employee cannot in any way be liable for the accident due to carelessness, negligence or not following working guidelines.

Determining Events Surrounding the Incident

To make sure you have the utmost chance of proving you were a victim of injury at work, it is vital to follow these guidelines.

-       Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible and make sure this is recorded. Employers are required by law to keep an “accident book” precisely for this reason. If your working injury is too serious for you to ensure it is recorded, make sure someone else, perhaps a colleague or spouse follows this up.

-       See a medical professional who will be able to assess the extent to your injury and if needed he or she will be able to back up your case in court.

-       If there were any witnesses, record their evidence and make sure they provide as much detail as possible. In addition if similar incidents have happened in the past, the “accident book” will reflect these, making your claim stronger.

-       Be sure to find a solicitor who is qualified and experienced in dealing with injuries at work. Make sure you employ your solicitor at a “no win no fee basis”. This will ensure that you have the best possible case to receive your accident at work compensation and failing that, you will not be landed in a financial struggle to reimburse the legal fees.

-       Consider if you were provided with adequate training- it is solely your employer’s responsibility to provide you with the training needed to avoid injuries at your work place.

-       If there were any issues with working equipment leading to an accident at your work place, this should be highlighted and recorded. Evidence of the equipment in question will be paramount.

Compensation for Working Incidents

Your injury at work compensation will depend on your personal case, as there are different types of compensation to reflect the specific circumstances. For example you may be compensated for general damages, special damages or damages leading to you no longer being able to perform your work.

Below is a breakdown of the specific meanings to different compensation for work related injuries:

General Damages

Compensation for general damages is paid out on the basis of the suffering endured as a result of the work injury, resulting in the employee no longer being able to lead the same lifestyle. For example, a spinal injury making it difficult for the person in question to take part in activities they used to.

Special Damages

Special damages compensation is given on the basis of financial hardship, which may include earnings lost, medical bills, cost of care and domestic bills resulting form the accident at work.

Long Term Damages

This compensation is necessary if the employee is no longer able to carry out his/her profession permanently.

Summary of Injury at Work Compensation

If you have suffered an injury at work, it is essential to be meticulous about gathering all the evidence necessary. Approach the case as soon as possible, get backing from a knowledgeable solicitor and ensure to get advice from a health professional. Many people fail to follow up on claiming compensation, fearing they may lose their job. But if your working injury was not your fault, you will receive the full support of the law.

As the security risk factor increases, the number of close protection training courses for bodyguard work also increases.

Business owners are sending their security staff on to a close protection driving & bodyguard training course to reduce their security risk.

While the close protection world is experiencing business growth, business owners can’t get free bodyguard training, so they are buying the cheapest bodyguard training course available.

Although it’s a sad indictment, whenever something really bad happens in the security or close protection world, we always witness a global growth for professional bodyguard work.

The ability to service this natural organic growth might explain why the close protection industry is bucking the trend during the current economic downturn and experiencing massive business sector growth.

The security industry has consistently placed high in the list of global growth industries during the last 25 years and most economics professors agree it will remain in the top 10 list of growth industries for the next 25 years.

If you need the reason why, then consider if the world is a safer place now, than it was 25 years ago.

Most close protection specialists will inform you that protective service operations is one of the fastest growth areas of the security industry. This in part can be attributed to the increased security risk in politically volatile regions and war zone destinations.

Both of these areas requires all forms of expertise to be provided from the military forces attempting to keep the peace, and attempting to rebuild damaged infrastructure.

Typically I am talking about the UK and USA military and security forces. Once the human expertise has been found, then they need to be protected.

This expertise is cross industry sector, i.e. Construction experts, IT experts, communications experts, police and security trainers etc, etc.

The increase in bodyguard work and bodyguard jobs has not gone unnoticed by members of the general public and astute business owners.

One only has to research some of the information posted on a well known close protection forum to understand the security industry is buzzing with new close protection training courses.

To service this demand, one UK close protection company has released the world’s first ever anti terrorist close protection driving home study programme. This accompanies its globally successful range of six close protection home study training programmes.

Like the security industry, the close protection industry has witnessed significant changes during recent years.

And while everyone in the security industry knows there’s no such concept of free bodyguard training, many professional and aspiring Bodyguards are investing in the next best thing, i.e. the cheapest bodyguard training course available.

Make no mistake, cheapest doesn’t mean poor value for money. In fact quite the opposite, in this case cheapest offers far more value than cost, and it’s the Bodyguards seeking well paid bodyguards jobs that are reaping the added value benefits from this type of close protection, and close protection driving home study programmes.

Although historically the number of women bodyguards entering the close protection world has hovered at around 2% during the last 15 years, with a 3 year spike of 7% during 1998 to 2001, it appears that the protective service industry is witnessing another increase in the number of women bodyguards enrolling on close protection training courses in order to secure lucrative bodyguards jobs.

Bodyguard Work and Bodyguards Jobs

Although in relation to the close protection world, the main media focus always seeks to sensationalise bodyguard work and bodyguards jobs in war zone regions like Afghanistan and Iraq.

However, every time a significant security issue materialises in one of these war zone regions it causes a ripple effect which quickly flows around the word.

The April 2010 attempted assassination of the British Consulate in Yemen sent more of a security Tsunami, rather than a security ripple around the world. Once again organised terrorists attempted to execute a high profile target. The end result is that security risk levels were raised around the world.

While this is not a pleasant occurrence, it does have a positive effect on professional Bodyguards seeking well paid high risk bodyguard work and bodyguards jobs.

In reality this security ripple effect opens up a great many opportunities worldwide for the more professional Bodyguards. For example one bombing of a building in Africa led to me training security drivers from a US Embassy in Norway.

If you consult any close protection forum you will likely be advised that In order to get your foot on the ladder to highly paid bodyguard work, and bodyguards jobs you have to have graduated from some of the most professional close protection training courses and/or close protection driving programmes available.

Never lose sight of the fact that my key emphasis in my previous sentence is on the word, ‘professional.’

Close Protection Training Courses

As previously mentioned, the close protection world and industry has changed significantly in the last few years. September the 11th raised the security bar, and the bench mark for all professional close protection training courses.

Virtually all the cowboy security companies offering false hope to aspiring bodyguards by virtue of offering them free bodyguard training and guaranteed bodyguard work if they signed up for less than useless close protection training have been eradicated in the UK.

Note I stated ‘virtually all’, sadly some unscrupulous security owners still strive to find ways of scamming prospective Bodyguards out of their hard earned finances.

Most contemporary close protection training courses focus on reality based training because they understand that their trained Bodyguards now require this form of training for their high risk bodyguards jobs.

Any Bodyguards paying for even the cheapest bodyguard training course should look for reality based scenarios because this offers you two added value benefits.

The first is that you will know for sure that your bodyguard instructor, or close protection driving Instructor knows how to professionally train you for high and extremely high risk protective service operations.

Second, although there is no such concept of 100% security, you will be better prepared for when your VIP client comes under threat from a professional terrorist group or organised crime gang.

Be advised, close protection training courses designed specifically for bodyguard work and bodyguards jobs can be as broad as they are long.

Never lose sight of the fact that every one of the close protection training courses you see advertised are run by a managing director or a sole trader owner of a security business. As such their main priority is to make a profit.

While I have no objection to any business owner making a profit, I do balk when another cowboy security owner hits the close protection circuit and places profit above the low quality security training they offer aspiring Bodyguards.

Cheapest Bodyguard Training Course

Imagine you are going to invest eight to ten thousand UK pounds, or fifteen thousand US dollars into training for a new career, and you realise it was going to take you up to two years to graduate because you have to hold down a full time job to pay for your training fees and expenses.

Now imagine you are uncertain that this career change into the close protection industry is the right move. Wouldn’t it make financial and common sense to try a low cost investment to see if the industry is for you?

Of course it would, and this is one of the added benefits of enrolling in the cheapest bodyguard training course on the market.

The cheapest bodyguard training course is available in six different 12 month training programmes at under one hundred and fifty UK pounds or 250 US dollars per one year programme. Home study has both added value and residual value benefits.

For example the cheapest bodyguard training course allows you the benefit of studying at your own pace which is critical if you are working full time. It’s also a lifelong security resource manual. It can be supplied in a hard paper format, or in a Computer CD-Rom format which allows you to study during your work down time.

No other close protection training courses offer these tangible benefits. The cheapest bodyguard training course is not gender specific, so it is a fantastic resource for women bodyguards seeking bodyguard work.

Clearly all Bodyguards will recognise that you can’t possibly teach all aspects of the close protection world via a home study programme.

However what it can teach you is up to 50% of the entire close protection officer training curriculum, i.e. the technical classroom subjects.

This means if you are a savvy investor in your training, you won’t have to spend extortionate fees for the technical aspects typically covered during expensive residential close protection training programmes.

A search for a particular close protection forum will no doubt inform you that the cheapest bodyguard training course is the next best thing to a free bodyguard training programme. Especially if it produced by industry leading experts.

To pursue an accident compensation claim following an accident at work you must prove that your injuries were caused by the negligence of another party.  This will usually be your employer, but might include workers from other companies.  Employers have a duty to ensure the safety of all the people on their premises, whether they employ them or not, and if they fail to do so then personal injury compensation could be awarded for successful accident claims.

Work accident claims are often made for injuries suffered because the work equipment provided by an employer was faulty, poorly maintained, defective or even dangerous.

Other accident at work claims can also arise due to slipping incidents caused by spillages, slippery surfaces or wearing footwear that is unsuitable for the job, and also due to tripping over items lying on the floor that cause a hazard.  The workplace can be a dangerous place and a large number of these accident compensation claims result from issues involving the state of the floor.

Another major cause of accident at work claims is falling, when for example serious injuries are suffered as a consequence of falling from heights, or down uncovered holes, or when hit by falling objects.

The lack of adequate protective equipment, such as safety footwear, gloves, hard hats, face masks and safety goggles can also result in injuries that lead to successful accident claims.

But what about harm suffered when there has been no actual accident?  It is not unusual for workers to develop an illness or disease after coming into contact with harmful substances during their employment.  If this arises, the employer who negligently exposed the worker to such substances may have to pay injury compensation in a similar way to a successful work accident claim.

Where a worker’s job will bring them into contact with dangerous substances, their employer should investigate whether it is possible to replace the substances with something less harmful.  If this cannot be done and contact with the substances is unavoidable, the employer should provide protective clothing and equipment, to minimise the risks.

Most people are aware of the risks associated with exposure to asbestos, which is made up of millions of fibres, substantial quantities having been inhaled into the lungs.  Asbestos related diseases can take up to 40 years to develop and there are various different diseases that may result, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.  The main symptoms of these diseases include shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained coughing and a feeling of tightness across the chest.  As soon as any symptoms develop it is advisable to seek immediate medical advice, but unfortunately at present there is no cure.

There are many other work related illnesses and diseases which can lead to accident claims. One of these is asthma, which can be caused by exposure to various types of dust, gasses and chemicals. It is also common for bakery workers to develop this condition following the inhalation of flour. The condition may develop weeks or months after the initial exposure, and causes breathing difficulties as a result of the narrowing of airways. Sufferers may need to take medication for the rest of their lives, but the condition is not usually fatal.

Whatever the basis of the accident compensation claim, it is always easy to proceed with an accident at work claim by taking advice from experienced accident claims solicitors, who can usually offer a free, no win no fee service.

One of my personal issues is those thousands of blogs out there with useless and unreadable content. You must have seen them… So often just a string of random words barely held together and completely unintelligible.

Why? That people get suckered into the belief that “Auto blog content generators” actually work. I’ve yet to see any sales pitch that’s convinced me that any of the various types have any benefit whatsoever. The problem is that they are based on keywords, and a million keywords interspersed with other random words that hold them together – or not – is not in real terms of any benefit for your site.

Even if you do get traffic and rankings from them – how many readers are actually going to switch off before the end of the first sense because they think they’ve been conned into landing on your site? How many times have you hit a site full of useless drivel? Quite a few I’m willing to bet.

There is no easy way, there are no short cuts on this one. Learn to write, learn to write well, learn to write in an SEO friendy way, and write often. If you can’t write, employ or find a way to work with someone who can. If you can’t provide quality written content there’s not really any point pursuing a carrer in blogging.

The over used phrase “content is king” is actually true – to a point. But NEVER at the expense of quality. I urge you don’t buy these things! Save your money – and your time, you will only be dissapointed with the results…

Pesonally I would argue that quality is the real king!

Nowadays, the cost of higher education is getting more and more expensive. Some families may not be able to afford to send their son or daughter for further education. Getting a student loan will help.

There are 2 broad categories of student loans available. Government student loans and private student loans

Government or federal student loans are funded and administered by the US Department Of Education. It is classified under Federal Student Loans Aid Program. They have very few requirements other than you are studying in a US college or university. International students may also apply though approval is on a case by case basis.

Every year, the student loan aid program disburse nearly 60 billion dollars so it is a good choice for get a student loan from the government. Thus the interest rates are pretty low.

Private student loans are funded and administered by banks and other financial institutions. These lenders provide student loans at a higher interest rate compared to federal student loans. Some common student loans available are from Citibank and Sallie Mae

You are allowed to apply for both private and federal student loans for your education needs although I would not recommend it.

For some students who have a few student loans to repay concurrently, it can be a financial drain on their family finances. That is where student loan consolidation comes in.

Student loan consolidation basically consolidates all your student loans into one loan so that it is easier to manage and make payments. When you are getting a student loan consolidation whether from the government or the private market, your existing student loans are paid for and erased by the student loan consolidation lender. The balances are transferred to the new student loan consolidation. Thus you start a new loan and only needs to make a single payment each month.

There are many advantages to using student loan consolidation. The interest rates will be lower since it takes the average interest rates of your previous student loans. Thus due to government legislation, the maximum interest rate cannot be higher than 8.25 percent.

It becomes a lot easier to manage a single student loan and payment are easier. The repayment options are quite flexible. For federal student loan consolidation, you can opt to start repaying after you have graduated from school. There are also several other options.

Another beneficial side-effect of student loan consolidation is that it can also improves your credit score. Since you are effectively clearing all your old student loans and taking a new one, your credit score will increase and is important if plan to take other types of loans in the future.