FIRE and rescue service staff and officers have been praised for achieving outstanding results in life-saving health and safety training.

Representatives from NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) and RCES (UK), the company that delivered the training, visited Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Charles Hastings Way in Worcester to present the certificates. Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates also attended the ceremony.

Six staff who completed the training were awarded the NEBOSH National General Certificate in occupational health and safety, an internationallyrecognised qualification which provides managers, supervisors and staff with a broad understanding of health and safety issues, and helps them to manage risk in the workplace more effectively.

Mr Yates, who holds the NEBOSH National General Certificate, said: “This is a highly regarded qualification and I’m proud to see our staff achieving it, all with either credits or distinctions. Health and safety in the work place is a necessity in an organisation like ours, and their learning will undoubtedly be of benefit in their day-to-day lives.”

Risk analyst Gordon Fuller, from the training company RCES (UK) added: “We have worked with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service for many years and we are always impressed with the commitment of its staff.

“It was a pleasure to come and congratulate them as their certificates were presented.”