About Us
Safety@Work Solutions (S@WS) was founded by Wayne Byles. Using his extensive military background, he envisioned a health and safety consultancy rooted in the values and culture he developed during his service. Understanding the importance of prioritising people and promoting safer working environments, Wayne brought together former colleague and friend, Steve, who shares his passion and commitment. Together, they carry a deep awareness of the human toll that can ensue when safety measures fail, a crucial lesson learned from their military experiences.
Team and Leadership
Wayne Byles
Bio
Wayne Byles is the Founder and Managing Director of Safety@Work Solutions (S@WS), a veteran-led health and safety consultancy based in the South West of England. A British Army veteran with 22 years’ service and over seven years of dedicated study in health and safety to MSc level, Wayne combines frontline experience with firm academic grounding to deliver practical, credible advice to clients.
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Wayne is a Certified IOSH member (CertIOSH), working towards Chartered status (CMIOSH), a Member of The Institute of Fire Safety Managers (MIFSM) and a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor. He provides strategic leadership across S@WS while remaining actively involved in consultancy and training, leading safety initiatives, managing risk, supporting regulatory compliance and helping organisations build robust, workable health and safety management systems.
Drawing on his military background, Wayne brings clear thinking, calm under pressure and a strong sense of responsibility for people’s welfare. He focuses on creating realistic, proportionate solutions rather than box-ticking, with a particular interest in culture, behavioural safety and mental health.
Through initiatives such as Mental Health First Aid training, he supports clients in developing safer, more inclusive workplaces where people can perform at their best.
Outside of work, Wayne enjoys spending time with his family, as well as fishing and travelling, helping him maintain a balanced perspective that supports both his personal life and professional practice.
Christopher Darker
Bio
Chris Darker is a Training Consultant at Safety@Work Solutions (S@WS), specialising in the design and delivery of engaging, practical health and safety training. A former Commando and British Army officer, he brings extensive experience in leadership, instruction and operating in high-risk environments.
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Chris is a Member of The Institute of Fire Safety Managers (MIFSM) and a certified Box In Mind tutor, delivering workshops that increase mental health awareness within the boxing community and helping coaches, clubs and boxers to better recognise and respond to mental health challenges.
Throughout his military and civilian career, Chris has been recognised for his ability to teach, mentor and develop others. His background includes Commando training, specialisation in Surveillance and Target Acquisition, and service as an instructor across a range of military disciplines. He has overseen complex training programmes, ensuring high standards of competence, readiness and safety.
Alongside his role at S@WS, Chris runs War Boxing Academy, a boxing academy dedicated to empowering individuals through the art and science of boxing. Through structured coaching and a strong focus on discipline, mindset and wellbeing, he uses boxing as a vehicle to build confidence, resilience and community.
At S@WS, Chris combines his instructional expertise with a people-focused approach, creating training that is clear, relevant and grounded in real-world operational experience. Whether delivering fire safety, health and safety or mental health awareness training, he aims to equip people with the confidence and understanding they need to work safely and support those around them.
Outside of his professional roles, Chris enjoys spending time with his three sons and staying active through sport and training.
Steve Young
Bio
Steve Young is the Lead Trainer at Safety@Work Solutions (S@WS), delivering accredited health and safety and first aid training in line with awarding body requirements. He specialises in providing a range of first aid courses, alongside health and safety programmes, helping delegates build the confidence to respond effectively in real situations.
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Steve’s training follows recognised standards and syllabuses, ensuring content remains compliant, consistent and up to date. He focuses on engaging delivery, real-world examples and straightforward explanations, so learners leave not just with a certificate, but with practical skills they can actually use.
During his military career, Steve held roles focused on recruitment, training, coaching and mentoring future soldiers. This experience shaped his instructional style and earned him a range of qualifications in education, training, and coaching and mentoring. He now brings that structured, supportive approach to his work at S@WS, helping individuals and organisations strengthen their safety culture through high-quality training.
Outside of work, Steve enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and their daughters, Lily and Betsy, maintaining the balance that underpins both his personal and professional life.