Three colleagues from Arco Professional Safety Services, Mike Clayton, Bartek Biela and Rob Messenger, are being awarded the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of their life-saving voluntary work with Midlands Cave Rescue Organisation and the Staffordshire Search & Rescue Team of Lowland Search & Rescue, respectively.

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal is a recognition of exemplary service by members in frontline emergency roles, prison services and the Armed Forces with at least five full years of voluntary service. The three colleagues have utilised their expertise in the safety sector to support emergency services in life-threatening situations in some of the country's most inhospitable environments, including the longest cave rescue in Welsh history last year.

Within Arco, Mike is an Equipment Department Manager and is responsible for the selection, procurement and delivery of the equipment in Arco's Professional Safety Services business. Externally, Mike is the Chairman of Midlands Cave Rescue Organisation and the National Equipment Officer for the British Cave Rescue Council.

Mike commented:

"I am proud to receive this medal as recognition for all the voluntary work undertaken over the past five years. No one volunteers for cave rescue for reward or honours but to be there to help others in difficulty, however, these acknowledgements are a bonus."

Bartek, a Training Instructor at Arco Professional Safety Services, teaches a wide range of practical work at height and rescue courses as well as the IOSH accredited Work at Height for Managers and Personal Fall Protection Inspection courses. As an avid member of numerus caving clubs in the past, coupled with his expertise in the safety industry, Bartek understands the importance of rescue provisions for outdoor activities which guided his decision to become a Team Leader at Midlands Cave Rescue Organisation.

Bartek said:

"It is a privilege and a great honour to receive the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal. When joining the organisation, I never expected any recognition or rewards as we are only there to help when this is most needed."

Rob, a Work at Height and Confined Space Instructor at Arco, has been involved in several major incidents, large scale missing person searches and operations to provide lifesaving first aid to injured hikers. As a Team Leader of Lowland Search and Rescue Team, Rob is tasked with operational command and control as well as legal compliance with the regulations set by the Charities Commission.

At Arco, Rob delivers comprehensive work at height safety and rescue courses, confined space courses and first aid training as well as bespoke rescue from height training.

On being nominated for his Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal, Rob explained:

"I feel honoured to be recognised amongst the men and women of the emergency services. People don't volunteer because they have the time, they volunteer because they care."

David Evison, Managing Director at Arco, said:

"We're incredibly proud that Mike, Bartek and Rob have been recognised for their excellent voluntary work over the last five years. They have each made a difference in their commitment to help keep people safe in inhospitable environments.

"As experts in safety, Arco, as a business, encourages its colleagues to share their knowledge and expertise in the communities we serve, including through volunteer work."

Arco, the UK's leading safety company, is donating over 80,000 items of essential PPE to global first responder, International Medical Corps, to aid those directly affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Partnering with International Medical Corps, Arco has provided 54,000 aprons and 33,600 masks to support healthcare workers on the ground who are providing medical assistance, those caring for Ukrainian refugees in Poland and those helping with search and rescue operations in areas of Ukraine damaged by conflict following the invasion of the country by Russia.

International Medical Corps delivers emergency medical aid, equipment and training that will allow impacted communities to become self-sufficient and effective first responders themselves.

Previously, Arco has been called on by the UK government, as an expert safety partner with real-world industry experience, to assist and advise on crises such as the Ebola epidemic, Swine Flu pandemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Arco is keen to offer its support in facilitating humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and has been liaising with the International Medical Corps on fit-for-purpose PPE for both emergency workers and displaced locals, which is critical, as proper sanitation is crucial to prevent the spread of infectious diseases amidst an ongoing medical emergency.

David Evison, Managing Director at Arco, said:

"The situation that is continuing to unfold in Ukraine is heart-breaking."

"Supporting those in need at times of crisis is embedded in our business' culture and many of our colleagues have either direct or indirect links to Eastern Europe, so we are keen to do everything we can to support those affected by the crisis.

"International Medical Corps are very experienced in responding to crises and we are pleased that we have been able to arrange the donation of much-needed PPE to help and support their response."

Rebecca Milner, Chief Advancement Officer at International Medical Corps, said:

"This generous PPE donation by Arco will help us continue our efforts to provide medical care to the people of Ukraine and the surrounding region. With millions of people displaced and the needs high, it is critical to ensure continuity of healthcare in the midst of this conflict."

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a new safety alert advising that respirators/masks that rely on ear loops do not provide the necessary protection when compared to those that use head straps to achieve an appropriate seal.

There has been an increase in respirators/masks with ear loops that indicate that they offer the same protection as FFP2 respirators. However, new research, conducted by the HSE, has demonstrated that respirators which rely on ear loops (including those that are provided with additional means of tightening the mask to hold it in place, often known as 'snuggers') do not protect people adequately when used as tight-fitting respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

Both FFP2 and FFP3 respirators depend on there being a good seal with the wearer's face in order to protect the user's respiratory system. The lack of a tight fit and good seal may lead to the creation of small gaps on the face which will mean that the respirator is not providing the necessary protection. This could increase the risk to the wearer's health, or even life, if the mask is being specified in high-risk areas.

As part of the RPE selection process, individual wearers should be fit-tested to ensure a good seal and therefore adequate protection. The HSE research showed that in most cases respirators with ear loops did not pass face-fit testing, despite being UKCA or CE marked.

The HSE therefore recommends that ear loop mask/respirators are not used as RPE in the workplace and that duty holders revisit their Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 risk assessment and review their Respiratory Management Programme.

Adam Willcock, Category Manager for PPE at Arco, said:

"Arco does not supply respirators with ear loops. We first became aware of this issue in July 2020, in the early stages of the pandemic, while we were trying to source FFP2 and FFP3 masks. We have a wealth of experience in respiratory protection and have one of the largest BSIF Fit2Fit accredited teams in the UK. We became aware of the issue of the lack of an adequate seal and failures with face-fit testing. We offer a range of respirators that use head straps to hold them in place, are fully compliant with the relevant standards and are UKCA or CE marked. We always advise our customers to use these and to undertake face-fit testing to protect their workers."

Find out more about the HSE alert here.

See Arco’s full range of FFP2 respirators with head straps here and learn about our face-fit testing here.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work - 'Open Communication is Crucial in Building a Safer Workplace'

This year's World Day for Safety and Health at Work focuses on participation and social dialogue to foster a positive safety and health culture.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, developed effective ways of communicating with its colleagues from a safety, health and environment (SHE) perspective and is keen to maintain these high standards in the future.

However, in recent years, a shift to new forms of working, such as hybrid models, has presented opportunities for workers but also posed potential risks, including a decline in mental health and wellbeing.

At the peak of the pandemic, psychological distress across the nation hit an all-time high and it is estimated that one-in-six people experienced a common mental health problem. In the UK, that's equivalent to over 10 million people.

The uncertainty caused by the pandemic meant the way businesses communicated was critical to manage the fears and concerns of their colleagues and it remains just as important today.

Although restrictions have eased, many businesses continue to operate with hybrid models.

Jo Heselton, Arco's Group Safety, Health and Environmental Manager, said:

"There are many days where employees cannot simply look over their shoulder to check on a colleague, so we need new methods to provide consistent support and an open dialogue to ensure our workplace is safe from a mental health perspective."

Jo has worked in health and safety for over 30 years and her work during the pandemic was recognised by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), receiving a Covid Workplace Champion Award.

"Mental health should always be a priority for employers and one of the best ways to address this effectively is to have a dedicated team of mental health first aiders. Mental health first aiders act as a first point of contact for colleagues with mental health issues, providing support and guidance."

As well as dedicated and trained mental health first aiders, a strong and open internal communication system is a critical part of maintaining a positive dialogue and culture. For example, setting up a wellbeing hub that is frequently updated with mindfulness tips, FAQs and employee assistance programmes, such as confidential phone-line support. It's also a great place to share tailored advice for colleagues, with specific information relevant to their team and the potential for employees to share their own stories. Creating guides specifically for colleagues to use and share with friends and family can also help employees feel valued and informed.

Jo added:

"As businesses look ahead at the 'new normal' of hybrid working, it's important not to neglect the social and human benefits of the workplace.

"Assistance during working hours is important but supporting individuals who are isolated should also be a priority for employees' welfare. Colleagues and volunteers from across the business can organise virtual opportunities outside of work hours to promote human connection, for example, cooking and music lessons, quizzes and even seasonal activities like a virtual pantomime! Activities like these provide welcome distractions, and invaluable connections which so many were deprived of during the pandemic."

In terms of final thoughts for businesses and organisations seeking to build on what they learned during the pandemic and develop best practice."

Jo said:

"Ultimately, clear communication, accessible resources and support for team members are the key lessons businesses should take away from the pandemic. Each of these points is not enough on its own; clear resources will do your business little good if no one reads them and even the most supported worker cannot be in all places at once. A combined approach is essential to ensure, in an increasingly hybrid working model, that open dialogue is pursued and encouraged from a variety of angles. Every business is different, and the exact system of support required will reflect that, but it should be at forefront of all businesses priorities."

Shop our wide range of First Aid and PPE, designed to keep you and your staff safe

Arco, the UK's leading safety company, has been confirmed as a sponsor for this year's conference of the East Riding Village Halls Network (E.R.V.H.N) on Friday 13th May at Holme-on-Spalding-Moor Village Hall.

The event is the first in-person conference for E.R.V.H.N since the Covid-19 pandemic and will provide attendees with a variety of information on key topics around the theme of 'keeping safe', including food hygiene, working at height, play areas and safety essentials, combatting social isolation and resuscitation.

The network provides support for 95 members across the East Riding, who in turn are assisted by more than 800 trustees and volunteers.

The conference is anticipated to attract more than 100 delegates and will see keynote speeches from The Rt Hon David Davis MP as well as from representatives from local government, the East Riding Voluntary Action Service (ERVAS) and Action for Communities in Rural England.

Sponsorship of the event came about because of an application from the E.R.V.H.N to the Arco Community Fund.

Anna Harvatt, Community Engagement Manager, at Arco, said:

"Village halls have and continue to play an important role in their local communities, with perhaps the best example of this being how many operated as hubs for distributing PPE and other important supplies, like food and medicine, to assist those delivering vitally important services to the most vulnerable in society.

"At Arco, we are committed to supporting charitable organisations and community groups in the areas we operate in.

"As experts in safety, we are proud to be sponsoring this year's E.R.V.H.N conference, which will focus on the theme of 'keeping safe'."

Geoff Catterick, Chairman of the E.R.V.H.N, said:

"The East Riding Village Halls Network is very grateful to Arco for its kind and generous support for this year's conference.

"It is vital to communities that village and community halls are supported in as many ways as possible, as these buildings are an integral part of community life.

"Without the wholehearted support of Arco, the E.R.V.H.N would not be in a position to fulfil its ambition to keep communities informed.

"Working with Arco enables the E.R.V.H.N to provide members with essential information at this conference around the theme of 'keeping safe', which is even more important during the current crisis.

"Our thanks to Arco and its community fund for the support. Together we aim to provide a first-class conference."

For further information about the conference, visit the E.R.V.H.N website at: www.ervhn.org.uk

If you are a charitable organisation or community group and would like to find out more about Arco's Community Fund, email community@arco.co.uk

Colleagues from Hull-based safety company, Arco, have spent time volunteering in the community by supporting the city's foodbank.

A team of nine colleagues from the business' customer engagement centre helped organise hundreds of crates of food at the foodbank's warehouse, helping ensure that all the items were in order and ready to be transported to locations around Hull ready to be parcelled up and handed out.

As a fifth-generation family business, Arco is committed to being a responsible company and encourages its colleagues to share their experience, skills and knowledge in the community by providing two days of paid leave each year to support volunteering opportunities.

Helen Garnett, Customer Support Team Leader at Arco, said:

"Our colleagues had a really busy day supporting Hull Foodbank, sorting thousands of food stuffs, including cereals, tinned foods, jars of sauce, dried pasta etc. to prioritise the items ready for distribution and help avoid any waste.

"The day was very physical and saw us packing, lifting and ordering the crates, at speed.

"It was a real pleasure to support a charity delivering such an important service to the local community and I am glad that we were able to use our organisational skills to assist the food bank at such a critical time."

Clive Da Silva, Assistant Manager at Hull Foodbank, said:

"I would like to thank Helen and her colleagues for volunteering their time with us.

"The team was really helpful and hardworking and accomplished in one afternoon what would have taken us and our volunteers' many weeks to organise.

"It was a real pleasure to work with them. They are a credit to both themselves and to Arco as an organisation."

Anna Harvatt, Community Engagement Manager at Arco, said:

"Our colleagues really enjoy giving back to their local communities and to charitable organisations.

"It is fantastic to hear such positive feedback from Hull Foodbank about the efforts of our colleagues and that their time and skills have made such a huge difference."

If you would like to donate items to Hull Food Bank or volunteer with the charity, visit: https://hull.foodbank.org.uk

If you are a charity or organisation with volunteer opportunities and would like for these to be considered by Arco colleagues, email: anna.harvatt@arco.co.uk

Arco has extended its support of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families.

The construction industry has one of the worst suicide rates in the UK, with two construction workers taking their own lives every working day, on average. The charity was created to combat this and provides a free and confidential 24/7 helpline which provides emergency financial aid and support on a huge variety of emotional and physical wellbeing issues. They also offer a free self-support app, a text HARDHAT support service and free mental health and wellbeing training.

Reliant on the generosity of its donors, Arco's continued support will help ensure that the Lighthouse Club has a sustainable income to grow and deliver its critical services, including its ‘Help Inside the Hard Hat' campaign.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of mental health by signposting the construction community to pro-active resources, including interactive wellbeing sessions and the MHFA England approved Mental Health First Aider Course.

Dave Cox, Head of the Construction Sector at Arco, said:

"Construction is vital to the UK economy and its workers are the lifeblood of the industry. Having initially supported the Lighthouse Club with a community grant during the COVID-19 pandemic, I am delighted that Arco's relationship with the charity has become a more enduring partnership. We look forward to continuing to support the Lighthouse Club's critical work in the year to come."

Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Club, said:

"We are delighted to have Arco as a company supporter. With Arco's sponsorship, we can continue to make a meaningful difference and deliver the emergency emotional and financial support that the construction community so desperately needs."

For further information about the Lighthouse Club, visit: www.lighthouseclub.org

Colleagues from Hull-based safety company, Arco, have spent a day volunteering in the community to make sure Pickering Park is ready for the spring.

A team of 11 helped tidy up and undertake general maintenance and gardening work to the park's sensory garden.

The day was organised by the Hull & East Yorkshire Smile (HEY) Foundation and run by The Friends of Pickering Park, a community organisation that works with local people to improve the park for the whole community.

As a fifth-generation family business, Arco is committed to being a responsible company and encourages its colleagues to share their experience, skills and knowledge in the community by providing two days of paid leave each year to support volunteering opportunities.

Anna Harvatt, Community Engagement Manager at Arco, said:

"All of our colleagues are given two days each year to volunteer. They really enjoy giving back to their local communities and charitable organisations and their time and skills make a huge difference.

"The past two years have seen such opportunities limited, due to the pandemic, so it is great that we can now start to get back out and about.

"I'd like to thank our team of volunteers for all of their hard work and our partners at HEY Smile Foundation and Friends of Pickering Park for organising the day.

"The sensory garden looks fantastic and is ready for the spring and summer and to be enjoyed by visitors once again."

Tessa Wray, Smile's Business Developer, said:

"Following the pandemic, it's great to see corporate teams once again given the opportunity to down tools in the office and put their time and skills to good use in the community. The last couple of years have been challenging for charitable organisations for reasons such as: lack of fundraising, disruption to service delivery and access to volunteers.

"I'm certainly seeing an increased appetite for volunteering by businesses, who are keen to see their teams coming back together following long periods of home working and at the same time giving back to communities where employees live and work."

Carole Parker, Trustee of Friends of Pickering Park, said:

"The sensory garden was created in 2012 on a disused bowling green.

"Due to Covid-19, we haven't been able to tend the garden and, consequently, the garden has overgrown and become unmanageable. But, thanks to the HEY Smile Foundation and the commitment of Arco staff, we now have a team of enthusiastic volunteers from the business helping us in the sensory garden."

Pickering Park was founded by philanthropist Christopher Pickering and officially opened in 1911. It is a popular green space in the city with an aviary, fishing lake, playgrounds, outdoor gym and a paddling pool, which is open during the summer.