Course 1 – Health and Safety and the Burial Process
Duration: 1–3 days
Delivery: Onsite, in person
Why this course? Safety is paramount both legally and ethically. This is the only course that truly covers the unique needs of cemeteries, graveyards, and natural burial grounds.
Who is it for? Anyone working in cemeteries, graveyards, or natural burial grounds.
What’s involved? The first section involves practical demonstrations with student participation. Course tutor Martin builds on students’ existing knowledge of safe working practices to prepare them for the assessments in the second section. Students are assessed on their competence in:
Initial Preparations Measuring and marking new grave sites, Erecting soil boxes and walk boards, Assessing stability of nearby memorials
Excavation (Employers select the type(s) of shoring in use) Excavation and backfilling using timber shoring, Excavation and backfilling using hydraulic shoring, Excavation and backfilling using panel & jack shoring
Preparation for Interment Grave dressing, Providing safe access
Course 2a – Safe Use of the Excavator &
Course 2b – Safe Use of the Dumper in the Sensitive Cemetery Environment
Why these courses? Unlike standard operator training, COTS focuses on cemetery-specific implications, challenges, and sensitivities, giving operatives the confidence to work safely while minimising damage to sites.
Duration: Excavator – 3 days; Dumper – 2 days
Delivery: Onsite, in person
Who is it for? Anyone using excavators or dumpers in their role, as well as supervisors overseeing their operation.
What’s involved? Hands-on practical sessions to improve skills, competence, and awareness of Health & Safety and Customer Care. Students have access to a machine (maximum four per course) and are trained and assessed in: Pre-start checks and routine maintenance, Machine controls, Moving around the site, Manoeuvring into position, Protection of turf and memorials, Setting and stabilising the machine prior to excavation, Safe excavation and backfilling, Health & Safety legislation implications, Filling and emptying dumpers.
Course 3 – Controlling Risks in Cemeteries
Why this course? Cemeteries are unique and emotionally sensitive environments, requiring specialised risk assessment skills. Participants learn both best practice and real-world lessons from tutors and peers.
Who is it for? Anyone managing or involved in the day-to-day running of cemeteries, with responsibility for staff, visitor, and user safety. This includes charge hands, supervisors, managers, and administrators.
Delivery: Onsite, in person with Martin Clark
What’s involved? The course has two parts:
Part 1 Demonstrations of up-to-date shoring methods, Grave identification, All steps up to and including interment, Group work and discussion, Theory using real-world examples, Practical demonstrations, Formulating risk assessments, Briefing on Part 2
Part 2
Participants create a bank of risk assessments specific to their workplace, reviewing current practice, identifying potential improvements, and making procurement decisions for safety equipment, costs, and suitability to the work environment. These assessments must be submitted within 28 days for evaluation.
Price – upon application
