Health and safety training is something that all workplaces require. In the UK, employers are required to train their employees so that they can safely carry out their job. Not only for the workers’ sake, but so that businesses won’t get fined, sued, and have a bad name.
The following is an outline of the UK legislation on health and safety training, why businesses need it, and how businesses can remain compliant.
1. What Does the Law State in Relation to Health and Safety Training?
There are several UK laws and legislations that outline the legal obligations under health and safety training. The most significant are:
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA)
This is the basis UK health and safety law. It demands:
- Employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees.
- Employees to be properly trained to work safely.
- Employers to provide information, instruction, and supervision for the safety and health of employees.
Failure of HASAWA can result in very serious legal sanctions, for example, fines or imprisonment.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
Regulations that implement HASAWA and make it absolutely clear in no uncertain terms that:
- Employees are to be trained in work finding, job transfer, or where new hazards arise.
- Re-training at intervals is necessary to keep employees current.
- It should be applied within the workplace and particular job functions.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
Where employees are operating equipment, machinery, or tools, this act makes it a requirement that
- Workers are trained in the use of equipment in a safe manner.
- Employers provide sufficient instruction and supervision.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
Where workers use chemicals or harmful materials, COSHH requires that:
- They will have to know how to manage, store, and dispose of dangerous substances.
- Employers must ensure that employees are forced to learn to wear protective equipment in the right way.
Other Industry-Specific Legislation
Some jobs, like building, health, and cooking, need a bit more legal education. For example:
- Construction workers on a building site must complete the CITB Health & Safety Awareness Course before they can get a CSCS card.
- Food handlers will need to complete food hygiene and food safety training.
- Health care workers will need to study manual handling and infection control.
2. When Should the Employer Give Health and Safety Training?
They have a duty by law to provide health and safety training courses:
When a new employee starts work – so they are aware of hazards in the workplace and how to ensure the workplace is safe.
When an existing member of staff is transferring to a different job – if it is one that entails new hazards or machinery.
When there is new plant, process, or chemicals introduced – so they can work it safely.
From time to time, as a ‘reminder’ training – to make the employees familiar with current best practice.
Training is also required where there’s an occurrence, or the occurrence of any type of safety hazards while conducting an inspection.
3. How can business remain Compliant?
In order to remain in compliance with the legislation, companies need to:
Establish training requirements – Determine workplace hazards and the amount of training required.
Provide sufficient training – Use certified trainers or accredited programs. Classroom, on-line, and job training are suitable.
Maintain training records – Employers should keep a record of every session of training, certificates, and dates.
Replenish training periodically – Keep the workers informed with new courses of instruction for refreshing knowledge.
Provide awareness by workers – Training has to be to the point, crisp, and relevant, with proper use relative to the job of the worker.
4. What If Firms Fail To Comply?
If a firm fails to follow health and safety training, then the penalties are severe, which are:
Legal action or penalty – The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can impose delayed penalties or sue for failing to comply.
More accidents – Untrained staff will be more likely to become injured and subsequently take sick leave, pay out compensation to claim, and be less productive.
Reputation damage – Failing to work safely can ruin a business’s reputation and struggle to keep staff or customers.
5. What Are the Benefits of Health and Safety Training?
Apart from compliance, there are numerous benefits to health and safety training:
Less workplace injuries – Workers can do their work safely.
Low cost – Less claim against the company due to accidents, and less lawsuit.
Better employee morale – Workers appreciate knowing that they are valued if their safety is valued.
Better productivity – Workplace health means better operation.
Safety and health training isn’t only required in the UK—it’s a means of protecting employees and companies. Effective training keeps companies on the right path, reduces risks, and makes it a safer place to work.
If you’re an employer, now is the time to review your health and safety training policies. Ensuring your staff are trained and up to date with safety regulations will benefit both your business and your employees in the long run.
