Which Health And Safety Course Is Best? A Guide To Choosing The Right Training
Effective health and safety training is essential in preventing workplace accidents and promoting a positive safety culture.
However, with so many health and safety courses available, it can be challenging to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Whether you’re a manager of a kitchen team, a solo caterer or an HR manager, you must have the right training under your belt. And as one of the UK’s leading training providers, this is something Envesca knows a thing or two about. In this blog, we guide you through the options to help you make the right choice.
Level 1 Health And Safety
Highfield’s Level 1 Health and Safety course is a half-day induction suitable for new employees or people with little health and safety experience. It covers essential workplace safety basics, including employer and employee responsibilities, accident reporting and first aid.
Delivery: Online via eLearning or in a classroom at your premises.
The Pros
This course, which only takes half a day to deliver, offers a basic and cost-effective introduction to health and safety for new starters.
Upon course completion, candidates will:
- Have a basic understanding of workplace health and safety and why it matters
- Recognise workplace hazards
- Be able to contribute to upholding control measures.
The Cons
Level 1 Health and Safety is an induction course, meaning it doesn’t delve deep enough for individuals with health and safety responsibilities or those needing more specific or advanced training.
Level 2 Health and Safety
Highfield’s Level 2 Health and Safety course is a full-day training programme designed for all employees, particularly those wanting a more in-depth understanding of health and safety beyond induction basics.
Delivery: Online via eLearning or in a classroom at your premises.
The Pros
Building on topics covered in the Level 1 course, this course offers a more comprehensive look at workplace health and safety. It covers essential topics such as legislation and enforcement, risk assessments and occupational health.
On returning to the workplace, candidates will:
- Understand the hazards of their workplace and how to follow correct safety procedures
- Know the legal responsibilities
- See why risk assessments are a critical tool in managing workplace hazards
- Be equipped to improve workplace safety culture proactively.
The Cons
While this course offers a more comprehensive look at workplace health and safety, it may not be suitable for managers or individuals working in high-risk roles.
Level 3 Health and Safety (3 Days for Managers and Supervisors)
Highfield’s Level 3 Health and Safety course is aimed at managers, supervisors and anyone responsible for health and safety in the workplace. The three-day course dives deep into topics such as health and safety management, the five steps of risk assessments and safe systems at work.
Delivery: Online via eLearning, in a classroom at your premises or public course in a virtual classroom (Zoom).
The Pros
The Level 3 Health and Safety course equips participants with the tools to comply with legal responsibilities and effectively manage health and safety.
Using their new knowledge, candidates will be able to:
- Conduct in-depth risk assessments
- Effectively investigate workplace incidents and accidents
- Identify and enforce protective measures
- Understand health and safety management systems
- Ensure complete compliance with relevant legislation.
The Cons
The content of this Level 3 course may be too advanced for individuals who lack a basic knowledge of workplace health and safety, making a Level 2 course a more suitable starting point.
IOSH Managing Safely (3 Days for Managers and Supervisors)
The IOSH Managing Safely course is a globally recognised qualification that focuses on learning practical workplace safety skills. The course spans three days and is designed for managers, supervisors and anyone responsible for health and safety in the workplace.
Delivery: Online via eLearning, in a classroom at your premises or public course in a virtual classroom (Zoom).
The Pros
This Institute of Safety and Health (IOSH) course equips candidates with the skills and confidence to implement new controls, ensuring the workplace remains safe for all employees. Through topics such as assessing and controlling workplace risks, understanding responsibilities and efficient incident reporting, candidates will be able to:
- Understand health and safety responsibilities and the legislation that goes with it
- Identify, assess and control workplace hazards
- Investigate incidents
- Measure and improve safety performance
- Promote a positive health and safety culture
The Cons
While this IOSH Managing Safely course goes into detail over the three days of learning, it may not be suitable for individuals requiring in-depth technical knowledge.
IOSH Managing Safely Refresher (1 Day Refresher)
The IOSH Managing Safely Refresher is a one-day training course designed to update the knowledge of individuals who have completed the original IOSH Managing Safely course.
Delivery: In a classroom at your premises or public course in a virtual classroom (Zoom).
The Pros
This course helps candidates stay current on topical knowledge, reinforces key health and safety concepts, and ensures individuals remain competent in their roles.
The Cons
To take part in an IOSH Managing Safely Refresher course, candidates must have previously completed the full 3-Day IOSH Managing Safely course.
Highfield’s Level 4 Health and Safety (5 Days for Managers and Health and Safety Professionals)
The Level 4 Health and Safety training course is an advanced qualification suitable for individuals with significant health and safety responsibilities. From advanced risk management to documentation and record keeping, this course equips individuals such as Partners, Directors, and business owners to develop and manage a health and safety system, maintain high standards, and create a proactive health and safety culture.
Delivery: In a classroom at your premises or public course in a virtual classroom (Zoom).
The Pros
The Level 4 Health and Safety qualification suits candidates from all types of businesses. Highly regarded, it is also recognised by Independent Auditors and Enforcement Officers. It provides an extensive look at health and safety and is ideally suited to those in senior or high-risk roles.
Candidates who succeed in passing the course will:
- Come away with an in-depth understanding of health and safety legislation
- Have learnt advanced risk assessment and management techniques
- Have developed practical strategies for improving workplace safety
- Be confident and competent in their role of leading proactive health and safety initiatives.
The Cons
A 5-day course may prove too much of a time commitment for some businesses, and the detailed content may be too specialised to be suitable for individuals in non-managerial roles.
NEBOSH General Certificate
The Nebosh General Certificate provides candidates with a comprehensive coverage of health and safety principles over 68 taught hours, with an expectation of 40 hours of private study and background reading. Suited to managers, supervisors, and anyone responsible for health and safety, this qualification is relevant in any workplace.
The Pros
The NEBOSH General Certificate is a globally recognised and respected health and safety qualification. Highly valued by employers, it digs deep into health and safety in the workplace, covering everything from the UK’s legal requirements to how to measure success.
Achieving the NEBOSH General Certificate can help boost career prospects for anyone entering health and safety roles.
The Cons
The NEBOSH General Certificate is more demanding than a Level 4 qualification, requiring a considerable time investment and extensive study.
NEBOSH Diploma
The value of advanced training in workplace health and safety is indisputable. The NEBOSH Diploma is an advanced qualification suited to experienced health and safety professionals looking to enhance their careers and solidify their expert knowledge. Courses typically span around 30 days, making it a pretty intensive learning experience.
Delivery: In a classroom at your premises, public course in a virtual classroom (Zoom) or distance learning.
The Pros
Building on knowledge gained in the NEBOSH General Certificate, the NEBOSH Diploma offers a deeper understanding of complex principles, UK health and safety legislation and best practices.
Upon completion, candidates will benefit from:
- An advanced understanding of health and safety management in senior positions
- Expertise in hazard control and risk management
- Extensive knowledge of legislation and compliance-based practices
- The tools and competence to further their careers.
The Cons
Unlike other health and safety courses, the NEBOSH Diploma is time-consuming, demanding and requires a substantial financial commitment.
Choosing the Right Course
Choosing the right course can feel challenging with so many to pick from. Consider the following factors to help identify your individual and business needs…
Your Role
Identifying the ideal course depends on the candidate’s current role, responsibilities and level of authority. Are they an employee, supervisor, manager or dedicated health and safety professional? Each course is designed to meet different levels of expertise.
Industry Standards
Does your industry have specific training or certification requirements? Some sectors, such as manufacturing and construction, often require particular qualifications or recommend specialised training.
Existing Knowledge
What is the candidate’s current understanding of health and safety in the workplace? Whether they are a complete beginner or building on previous knowledge will help you identify a suitable course.
Career Aspirations
How will this training support the individual’s professional development and business and career goals? For candidates aiming to soar in their sector, advanced courses like the NEBOSH Diploma can help them achieve career success.
Preferred Learning Style
How do you or your candidate like to engage? Some courses can be taken online, whereas others require hands-on, in-person training. Where possible, choose the format which best suits someone’s learning style.
Making The Right Health And Safety Training Choice
Choosing the right health and safety course is essential for meeting both personal and organisational goals. With the right training, your people will be able to ensure safety, maintain compliance and enhance career advancement.
Envesca offers a wide variety of health and safety courses designed to suit a range of roles and industries. Contact us for expert guidance and unparalleled support in selecting the most suitable option.
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Training Available
Envesca offer a number of different training courses, which offer advice and guidance on these topics.
Highfield Level 1 Award in Health and Safety
This half-day Level 1 Health and Safety course will provide you with a basic introduction to all aspects of health and safety practices.Highfield Level 2 Award in Health and Safety
This one-day Level 2 Health and Safety course will provide you with an understanding of how to work safely within your organisation.Highfield Level 3 Award in Education and Training
This five-day course will enable you to deliver training relevant to your own situation; whether that's in further education, adult and community learning or work-based learning.Highfield Level 4 Award in Health and Safety
This five-day Level 4 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace course will provide you with in-depth knowledge of health and safety.Share this article with your social Community.
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