MARCUS BATHAN – VHNZ TRAINING MANAGER

Specialist Field: Safety at Heights and Access Training.

A natural born leader, Marcus provides education and training solutions for VHNZ clients. He is passionate about developing and delivering training solutions focused on giving trainees the correct skills to perform individual and collective tasks. 

His 7 years serving in the British Military means Marcus has a very good understanding of teams working under high pressure in high hazard and high stress environments. He also has hands on New Zealand experience working at height and in confined space within the construction industry.

We sat down with Marcus to find out more about him…. and what he knows and thinks about safety in New Zealand.

Marcus, what is your first memory of the importance of safety?

My earliest ever memory was from when I was 4 years old reaching for pita bread by climbing up drawers to the kitchen bench, I accidentally pulled a kettle of boiling water down my back, I was scolded by both my mother and the water that day and I still have the scars to tell the story. My denim overalls (very trendy at the time) are what saved most of my skin!

What surprised you most about working within the Industry prior to training?

Before I entered the training world I worked in construction and the biggest thing that concerned me was that my colleagues at the time were more than happy to take considerable risks in order to meet the deadlines.  We were a small company and sadly the culture of the organisation paid little attention to safety.

The frustrating part for me at the time was if safety systems had of been implemented the job would have been completed not only a lot quicker but also a lot safer. 

What do you wish other people knew about safety in New Zealand?

I wish that people knew how to effectively assess risk and how easy it can be to put effective controls measures into place. Too many New Zealanders die or are seriously hurt while working and in comparison with other similar countries our workplace health and safety record is woeful.

With smarter planning prior to the commencement of job it could be completed a lot safer. The steps to managing your H&S risks is a relatively simple one and should focus on the following:

• Identify the hazard
• Assess the risk
• Manage the risks
• Monitor control measures

Tell me about some of the people you've met while working at VHNZ?

Within VHNZ everyone is extremely passionate about H&S and the culture within the organisation is fantastic. All trainers understand that while they are subject matter experts in each of their areas there is always room to learn and continue to grow as industry changes, health and safety moves and as guidance evolves around said subject areas. We at VHNZ also think it is important to continually practice what we teach so we have regular training days to keep on top of our individual skill sets. 

What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?

Although working at heights is my training trade I still most definitely have a healthy respect for working at heights and unless I'm wearing appropriate PPE or there is appropriate control measures in place I won't leave the ground. The fear is still very much alive and the last thing any of us can afford to do is let complacency set in. 

If you were alone on a dessert island and could only take three items what would you take?

Hmm good question - A solar paneled radio, a water filtration system and either a  Bear Grills or Ray Mears survival book.

Marcus's areas of expertise include:

• The training and assessment of trainees to meet New Zealand and International standards and best practice
• The training and assessment of workers in notifiable work, at height and in confined space, specifically to meet the needs of the client and associated standards required by Worksafe NZ
• The training and assessment of workers to analyse and manage risk in high risk work and/or workplaces.
• Consultancy and Auditing of high risk work environments focusing on height safety systems

Marcus's Qualifications include:

• NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety
• National Certificate in Adult Education and Training Level 5 New Zealand Environment
• National Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4)
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (Australian Qualification)
• National Cert in OH&S (Workplace Safety) L3
• National Certificate in Industrial Rope Access Level 3
• National Vocational Qualification in Mechanical Maintenance

In his spare time Marcus enjoys playing football, spending time with his family and eating salted caramel ice-cream. He is a fantastic asset to our team.