A NORTH west training specialist, which operates in Bury and elsewhere, can justifiably say it practises what it preaches.

For Alliance Learning has earned a special commendation for its internal health and safety procedures which is helping reduce the amount of accidents in the workplace.

Alliance Learning provides vocational training and advice for businesses and local people across the Bury, Bolton and Wigan areas. It reports all accidents involving apprentices it places with local firms, not just the major injuries it is obliged to do so. This helps build up a more accurate picture so that lessons can be learned..

Health and safety officer John Gurhy explained: "As we are funded by the Learning and Skills Council Greater Manchester, we are encouraged to report incidents so that they can be learned from. Recently, it has become apparent that there is a lack of supervision at some firms, especially where young people are concerned."

LSC health and safety co-ordinator Brian Wilkinson said: "The LSC encourages all providers to maintain the highest level of health and safety for apprentices and considers this pioneering level of detailed accident reporting as good practice which we hope will be extended."