Atkins first in Scotland to hold new qualification

An Atkins Design Environment and Engineering product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Nov 22, 2006

Six managers from multidisciplinary design and engineering consultancy Atkins have become first in Scotland to gain a new health and safety qualification from the CSCS.

Six managers from multidisciplinary design and engineering consultancy Atkins have become the first in Scotland to gain a new health and safety qualification from the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).

The new Professional Qualified Persons card (PQP) has been developed by the CSCS for non-site professionals who have health and safety responsibilities and encompasses all areas of the construction process.

It was designed to ensure that those who usually work off-site are aware of health and safety requirements at all times.

The qualification includes modules such as personal health and safety, safety of others, site awareness, design considerations and strategic health and safety management.

Atkins was one of the driving forces behind the new qualification developed in conjunction with CSCS, CITB-ConstructionSkills and the construction industry Council (CIC), along with other professional institutions and consultancies.

At a managerial conference in October, over 150 Atkins senior staff members were among the first to pass the test.

Neil Aitken, Atkins director for Design Solutions Scotland, is one of the six Scottish consultants to hold the new card.

He said: "Health and safety issues are not just applicable on construction sites - it is just as important for us to understand and consider health and safety at concept and design stages in order to reduce risk further down the line.

The PQP card should therefore have enormous influence in ensuring all professionals in our industry are aware of their responsibilities.

"By achieving this new qualification, Atkins has established itself as a leader in health and safety and we will be proud to display these credentials in future tenders and contracts." Brian Adams, CSCS chief executive said: "This card broadens the reach of the CSCS beyond site-based professionals and will be another key driver in displaying competence and health and safety amongst the entire workforce".

To attain the qualification, delegates must sit a one-hour multiple choice test and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of all health and safety issues.