The importance of health & safety training in the workplace

Health and safety training in the workplace applies to all UK businesses. Helping to keep the workforce safe from hazards, preventing accidents and emergencies, and guaranteeing legal compliance with current health and safety standards.

In this guide we explore the importance of health and safety training for businesses. Discovering the legal requirements for UK employers and the online training solutions that can make training your staff as simple and accessible as possible.

What are the legal requirements for health & safety training in the UK?

While there are specialist requirements for certain industries, the basic health and safety requirements apply to all businesses in the UK. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) state – as an employer you have a legal responsibility to protect those who enter your workplace premises (be it an employee or visitor) from any risks to their health and safety.

The HSE enforce The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which covers the key legislation for health and safety in Great Britain. It’s important that as an employer, you familiarise yourself with this legal act and understand your duties and responsibilities.

According to The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a “duty of care” to provide ‘relevant information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure the health and safety of employees. This includes regular, routine, and up to date health and safety training.

Health & safety training for employees

Health and safety training helps to keep all relevant parties aware of their responsibilities within the workplace. Educating both employees and employers on best practices in various situations to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of all who may enter a workplace or participate in work-related activities.

Training is often split into different areas of interest, covering a huge number of topics. Ranging from first aid training to manual handling and accident reporting.

While some courses are not applicable to all members of your team, it’s best to offer as much health and safety training as possible to ensure that all your employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve a safer workplace for all.

The benefits of health & safety training

By completing the necessary training courses your business and your team can benefit from:

• A reduced number of workplace accidents, incidents, and emergencies.

• A safer workplace for all employees and visitors.

• Upskilling of staff, particularly in industries where courses are required to complete certain tasks and job roles.

• Compliance with legal requirements, removing the risk of being penalised by the HSE or local authorities.

• Remove the risk of failed health and safety audits and inspections.

• Greater business reputation and working relationships with stakeholders, partners and other businesses.

Health & safety courses online

Online health and safety training courses have become one of the most popular ways to access relevant health and safety training for employers and employees. Quick, simple and accessible, e-learning can be completed on various desktop and mobile devices without the need for you or your staff to leave your work premises.

Not only do these courses save you time, but with so many free courses available they will save your business money too!

Industry-specific H&S training courses

According to the HSE, industries such as construction, transportation, and food services report some of the highest rates of workplace non-fatal injuries in the UK. Which is why businesses in these industries often have more training and legal standards to adhere to.

For example, in the food services industry, courses such as

• Food safety awareness

• Legionella awareness

• Food allergen awareness

These are especially important to help keep both employees and customers safe from food and drink related hazards.

Meanwhile, for those running a business in the construction industry, your employees will likely require extra health and safety training covering areas such as:

• Working at height

• Noise awareness

• Work equipment awareness

• Lifting operations and lifting equipment awareness

By completing said courses, you can rest assured knowing that your employees are trained on the specific health and safety risks and hazards prevalent relevant to your industry.

With the understanding of what to do to prevent health and safety accidents and how to report accidents when they do occur. Not only will this maintain a safe working environment, but this training ensures your business is legally compliant with current health and safety at work legislation.

With BrightSafe we offer a wide range of health and safety online courses. Including those relevant to a selection of specialist industries. Both you and your employees will be able to access CPD-accredited e-learning and 80+ RoSPA-assured courses, helping to safeguard your business.

Complete health & safety e-learning courses with BrightHR

The health and safety of your business is a serious topic. Getting it wrong can be the cause of potentially life-changing or even fatal incidents. Providing your employees with relevant information and educational training courses can make the difference between a dangerous workplace and a safe workplace.

Safeguard your business with BrightSafe today. Access over 80 RoSPA-assured courses, and a range of topics for different businesses and industries. Free with your BrightSafe package. These courses are regularly updated and maintained to ensure your business is legally compliant and up to date on current best practices.

Plus, get access to a FREE course today to trial our Health & Safety e-learning courses.

Book your free demo today to discover essential H&S e-learning that protects your business.