FHRD courses

The Foundation for Human Resources Development (FHRD) is holding a three-day certification training course in Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats on May 7, 8 and 9, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at its premises at 1, Triq il-Kampanella, San Gwann.

Ms Daniela Bartoli is the course trainer. The fee is Lm850. Cheques are to be made payable to Minding International Ltd and addressed to Villa East, Fjamma Street, Kappara.

For bookings contact Sandra Agius on sagius@fhrd.org.

The FHRD, together with the Institute of Health and Safety (IHS), will be holding a half-day conference on Wednesday, between 8.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. at the Malta Hilton, Portomaso, entitled "Employers Liability: The claims culture and health and safety at work".

Employers are often aware of their health and safety obligations under criminal law. They understand the impact of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 2000 and of the many associated Legal Notices.

They also recognise that Malta's EU membership has brought about rapid changes in health and safety law.

The same level of awareness may not exist in relation to civil law, particularly in relation to liability for injury and ill-health caused by or through their businesses. The costs of compensation claims often far exceed the value of fines imposed by the criminal courts, yet many employers struggle to understand the extent of their liability and how to protect themselves.

This half-day conference examines the growth of the 'claims culture', and how employers can become liable to pay compensation claims. It will draw on the experiences of those involved in the process of bringing forth and defending claims, using real examples to illustrate the nature of the problem and how best to avoid being sued.

The special keynote speaker, Allan St John Holt, is one of Britain's best known safety specialists. Currently head of safety for Royal Mail Group, he has been global director of health, safety and environment for Bovis Lend Lease, and a consultant for over 30 years. He has also lectured widely in the US, Asia Pacific Region and Australia. Twice president of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, he is a Chartered Fellow of the institution.

The fee for this conference for FHRD members and non-members will be Lm45 and Lm55 respectively. Cheques are to be made payable to the Foundation for Human Resources Development, 1 Triq Il- Kampanella, San Gwann SGN 05. Application forms can be downloaded by visiting www.fhrd.org/RegistrationForm.pdf .

The FHRD is also holding a course entitled "Trade union and workers' health and safety representatives" on May 15, 16 and 17 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at its premises in San Gwann.

The course will feature OHSA 2000 and related legislation, the law and health and safety representatives, specific rights given by law, risk assessment, safety inspections, accident investigation, effective communication, listening skills, and negotiating with employers and employes.

It is designed to help health and safety representatives understand their role and to equip them with the basic knowledge and skills necessary for them to carry out their functions effectively.

Upon completion participants should be able to understand the nature of their role, rights and duties and be familiar with some of the basic techniques used in health and safety management.

Members from the trade unions and non-trade union health and safety representatives are especially encouraged to attend.

Chris Hudson, MA, BA (Hons), CFIOSH, AIEMA, Chartered Fellow of the IHS, will deliver the course.

Cheques are to be made payable to the Institute of Health and Safety and sent to the IHS, Martin Court, University Street, Msida. For bookings visit www.fhrd.org/OHSRegistrationForm.pdf .