A north-east training firm said yesterday it was pioneering a food-safety programme for offshore workers.
DM Training Consultants is the first provider in Scotland to offer the course as an e-learning package.
It is aimed at supervisors, managers and medics who have food-handling and food-safety responsibilities; and at cutting down the time they need to spend studying away from work.
Traditionally, the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (Rehis) intermediate food hygiene course is taken onshore over three days and involves a lengthy exam.
The new Rehis e-learning package comes with online materials, a selection of study books and case studies and the back-up of tutor support throughout, meaning candidates do not have to leave their installation to learn.
There will also be a half-day tutored lecture before they embark on the exam.
DM Training director Donna Maver said: “Ensuring that offshore staff are fully up to speed with hygiene requirements, and are aware of the potential problems, is crucial.
“Any outbreak of illness, such as food poisoning or a bacterial infection, on an installation could prove costly both in terms of health and financially, if the platform needs to be shut down.”
The course will be delivered by DM Training, which is based at Portlethen, on behalf of the institute.
Graham Walker, director of training for the institute, added: “The institute has developed this package because we are aware that, for geographical, business and personal reasons, many people are unable to attend traditional classroom-type courses.
“We are grateful to DM Training for pioneering this e-learning course on our behalf.”