Your ultimate guide on health and safety courses

Health and Safety Law

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to provide whatever information, instruction, training, and supervision that is necessary to ensure the health and safety of its employees in the workplace.

In 1999 the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation was introduced, identifying situations where health and safety training is of the most importance, including:

• When people start work
• Exposure to new or increased risks
• On a regular occasion to update and refresh staffs knowledge and understanding

Several other regulations include specific health and safety training requirements such as asbestos, driving, and first aid. 

Who needs health and safety training?

In short, everyone; employees, managers, supervisors, contractors, self-employed personnel, and business owners. The topics included in the training may differ depending on your type of work, level of responsibility, and day-to-day tasks. 

Managers and supervisors

Managers and supervisors should have a complete understanding of what is expected from them in terms of health and safety. They need to clearly understand the company’s health and safety policy, how they fit in, and how the company wishes for health and safety to be managed. Depending on the business function they manage, they may require training in specific hazards and how risks should be controlled.

Employees

Everyone who works for your organisation should understand how to work safely without causing risk to themselves or anyone else. Each employee should review the company’s health and safety policy and what responsibility they have. They should know the process for flagging any health and safety concerns.

Self-employed and contract team members

If contractors and self-employed personnel work under your control and direction, they should be treated as an employee when it comes to health and safety. Meaning that they should go through the same training as company-employed staff.

Areas of consideration

A blanket approach to health and safety training is not always possible, and certain elements should be considered for each employee.

• Staff capabilities
• Previous training, knowledge and experience
• Ensure that the demands of the job do not exceed their ability to carry out their work without risk to themselves and others.

Training landmarks

There are periods and situations whereby employees may require particular training, for example:

• All new recruits need basic induction training, including first aid, fire, and evacuation.
• Staff changing jobs or taking on extra responsibilities should know about new health and safety implications.
• Young employees are particularly vulnerable to accidents due to lack of experience, and therefore training should be a priority and tailored to their knowledge level with ongoing supervision.
• Health and safety representatives will require extensive training reflecting their increased responsibilities. 
• If concerns over an employee are raised, this should be addressed immediately. Providing training to update and refresher knowledge to help elevate risk. Post-training monitoring should also be carried out.

Types of Health and Safety Training 

There are many different types of health and safety training. The most common ones are: 

General Health and Safety Training

This training covers the fundamental health and safety principles, including; hazard identification, accident prevention, emergency procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This type of training is often part of induction training given to all employees. 

Fire Safety Training

Fire Safety training focuses on fire prevention, explains the use of fire extinguishers, and details evacuation procedures and fire safety protocols. 

St John Ambulance has a helpful calculator that indicates how many fully trained Fire Marshals you should have depending on the size of your business.

First Aid Training

First aid training equips staff with the knowledge and skills to provide initial medical assistance in case of injuries or medical emergencies. Check out the calculator on the St John Ambulance website to ensure you have enough in your business.

Manual Handling Training

This educates employees on safe lifting techniques, ergonomics, and how to prevent musculoskeletal injuries while moving objects.

Chemical Safety Training

For job roles that handle chemicals, staff must undergo chemical safety training that should include how to handle hazardous substances safely, how to dispose of chemicals, and the use of appropriate PPE.

Electrical Safety Training

Employees working with electrical equipment or in proximity to electrical sources will require specialist electrical safety training, which should include how to identify and mitigate electrical hazards.

Machine and Equipment Safety Training

Employees operating machinery or equipment should undergo specific training on its safe use, maintenance, and procedures.

Workplace Violence and Harassment Training

This training helps employees recognise signs of workplace violence and harassment and educates them on steps to report incidents.

General Health and Safety Training

General health and safety training is the most common form of training as it provides the fundamentals for all employees. This form of training can be carried out internally or by an external company, either in person or via e-learning. 

Health and Safety Level 1 

Health and Safety Level 1 is an introductory level aimed to be included in new staff induction programmes. This level takes around 1-2 hours. Level 1 covers a broad number of topics including hazards and preventive measures. 

Often covered: 

• Accidents including Slips, Trips and Falls
• Legal Responsibilities
• Hazardous Substances (COSHH)
• Workplace health, safety and welfare
• Work Equipment
• Fire 
• First Aid
• Manual Handling

Health and Safety Level 2 

Health and Safety Level 2 builds on the knowledge obtained in Health and Safety Level 1 while introducing new content, such as risk assessments, which are required to be in place for a business that has more than five employees. It is a good idea to complete Health and Safety Level 1 before undertaking level 2, as it’s important to have a strong understanding of health and safety legislation. Health and Safety Level 2 is a 2-4 hour course.

Units covered

• Accidents including Slips, Trips and Falls
• Legal Responsibilities
• Hazardous Substances (COSHH)
• Risk Assessment
• Workplace health, safety and welfare
• Work Equipment
• Fire 
• First Aid
• Manual Handling

Manual Handling 

Manual handling training runs through best practices when lifting and moving goods. These practices are essential for keeping your staff safe and in good health. Lifting goods incorrectly can cause back injuries, spasms, stains and soft-tissue injuries to wrists, arms, shoulders, etc.  

Topics covered 

• The definition of manual handling
• The LITE stairway to safety
• Safe lifting techniques
• Correcting lifting techniques

Who should take this course: 

Undertaking manual handling training would be needed for anyone who regularly moves heavy items; this is particularly essential training for those working in a warehouse, or construction.