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Should I give my employees H&S training?

Updated: Oct 19, 2023


In her blog, Sam gives her thoughts on her experience, and how the IOSH Managing Safely course has changed and evolved over the years. It is really important that all employees have awareness of health and safety laws and expectations, but those that have people reporting to them have additional duties and should receive training to assist them in their role.


Refreshing my knowledge: my experience - retaking the IOSH Managing Safely course


The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Managing Safely course is one of the most popular and widely recognised courses for managing safety in the workplace. I initially took this course 14 years ago when I first embarked on my health and safety journey. I have recently returned to the industry after some time away therefore I have retaken the course to refresh and update my knowledge. In my blog, I will share my experience of retaking the course, highlighting any changes that I noticed, and emphasising the importance of staying updated with the latest knowledge in the field.


As I delved into the course, I was struck by the diverse range of formats available, such as online and classroom-based options, which made it more accessible to a wider audience. I was able to attend the classroom-based course, which provided me with the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others in relation to health and safety in their organisations, which I felt suited my learning style best. I gained insights into how they applied their knowledge to specific tasks, such as conducting risk assessments and accident investigations.


One of the most significant changes in the course is the emphasis on risk assessments and the greater focus on identifying and managing workplace hazards. This ensures managers are better equipped to identify potential hazards and take action to prevent them from causing harm to employees.


The course includes the incorporation of new safety technologies and how they can be used to enhance safety in the workplace. Over the past few years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, and this is very much reflected in the present course. The course covers how to identify and manage stress, anxiety and other mental health issues within the workplace. It also covers Noise and Vibration which have also warranted more attention over the years due to our increasing awareness in these areas.


Since I first took the course, there has been the introduction of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). The most significant change I noticed was the previous three-day rule to the current seven-day rule for reporting accidents/incidents, which has had a considerable impact on how these occurrences are reported. The course has an increased emphasis on accident investigations how they are performed and what benefits we can gain by reacting and rectifying the causes.


The course has become more interactive over the years encouraging group activities and discussions, as well as hands on exercises that allow managers to put their knowledge into practice. This allows managers to become better equipped to manage safety in the workplace and apply their knowledge to real life situations.


In conclusion, the IOSH Managing Safely course has undergone significant changes over the past 14 years, reflecting the changing needs and expectations of the industry. These changes have helped to ensure that the course remains effective in helping managers to manage safety in the workplace, ensuring the managers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to create a safe and healthy working environment for their employees.


Written by: Samantha White

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