WELB safety provision under review

Education Minister John O’Dowd revealed WELB was the only area to provide no such health and training whatsoever unlike the Northern Education and Library Board (NELB) which outsources its training to the Belfast, South Eastern and Southern areas.

Training provided in BELB, SEELB and SELB included Abrasive Wheels, Circular Saw, Metal Turning, Mig Welding, Oxy-Acetylene Welding, Bandsaw, General Workshop Maintenance for Technicians, Milling Machine and Woodturning health and safety courses.

Mr O’Dowd said training in WELB was under review but that the education authority was aware of its responsibilties.

“The WELB did not provide any health and safety training courses over the last three years,” stated Mr O’Dowd. “The WELB is aware of its responsibilities in this area and has taken steps to meet its commitments in the past and will continue to do so in the future. The NEELB’s and the WELB’s provision is currently under review.”