Arbroath firm’s Afghanistan mission

Angus-based IED Training Solutions is to roll out a series of safety courses in Afghanistan.

The Arbroath firm has been commissioned by a Scandinavian-based logistics organisation to deliver the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health-approved courses.

IED Training’s managing director Ian Clark is a former Royal Marine whose 22 years of service included three tours of Afghanistan.

He was approached by the Scandinavian company to deliver the Working Safely and Managing Safely courses last year.

The firm’s staff work in transport, logistics, and operations in several locations across the war-torn country including Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-iSharif and Herat.

Mr Clark said: “Afghanistan holds many memories and emotions for the IED team, including those of pride, of the friendships forged and the teamwork, as well as great sadness for those colleagues who didn’t return home with us or who were injured.

“It is incredible to think that we now return to that country to facilitate nationally recognised health and safety training with the aim of ensuring people remain safe in the workplace.”

He said the Scandinavian firm had previously sent staff to Dubai for the training.

“This was proving expensive, as well as taking them out of business for days at a time,” he continued.

“We were able to work with them to ensure that the training could be delivered in-country, by IOSH-approved trainers and administered by IED.

“The benefits have been a significant reduction in the company’s financial outlay as well as ensuring that a minimal amount of time is spent away from away from job roles.

“It has also been able to take ownership of the training and ensure quality assurance throughout.”