3 Step Guide

Invest in the Safety of Your Workforce and Visitors

The safety of everyone who is involved in your business, whether they are employees or trading visitors, is of paramount importance. Health and Safety regulations have been set up to ensure that all businesses comply with legislation which works to minimise risk in the workplace and provide workers and visitors with a safe environment to do business in.

There are many ways that businesses can invest in the safety and security of their workforce and visitors. If businesses disregard the importance of monitoring and maintaining a secure level of health and safety then they are risking the integrity of their business and the lives of those who interact with in that environment. Therefore it is vital that adequate training, specialist safety equipment and correct working procedures are implemented and understood by all to ensure that your business remains secure and a safe place to do business.

This article will explore the health and safety measures which you should invest in to promote a safe working environment and to protect those who work in or visit your organisation.

Essential Training

An important area which any business should invest in is training which should be provided for all employers and employees. It is vital the members of staff are not only given the correct training to help them carry out their job, but that they are also given the relevant health and safety training. By investing in health and safety training you will provide your employees with the appropriate knowledge regarding safe working practices and how to maintain a secure work environment. There are health and safety courses available which are designed specifically to teach your staff about how to manage safety in the workplace and how to monitor and reduce risks within that space.

Specialist Safety Equipment

Another key area which any business should invest in is ensuring that all staff members are supplied with the correct specialist safety equipment and that they understand how to wear them appropriately. Many industry sectors use specialist equipment which can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Therefore it is essential that workers are trained on how to use each machine or tool correctly and that they are given the right safety equipment and clothing to ensure that they can work safely and efficiently.

Acceptable Standard of Working

All businesses should have an acceptable standard of working which means that each member of staff knows how to work safely and effectively to maintain a safe working environment whilst completing their work quickly. It is crucial that this safe standard of working is closely monitored and assessed to see if there are any risks which could potentially be reduced.

It is vital that businesses invest in safety measures which work to promote the security and safety of staff members and visitors. Qualified IOSH training providers believe that completing relevant training programmes is the best way to maintain a safe working environment for all.

Avoiding Health and Safety Training is Not an Option in Business

Often businesses and individuals blame their lack of training or knowledge regarding important matters such as health and safety on their busy work and home schedules. Their apparent inability to find time they believe is an excusable reason as to why they have not completed the adequate and necessary which their job expects them to carry out.

However, avoiding completing the relevant health and safety training is unlawful and dangerous in any business environment. This is because that individual is putting people’s lives at risk whilst jeopardising the reputation, ethos and financial grounding of the business that they are involved with. Legislation on safety in the workplace is put in place for a very good reason and therefore if the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) finds anyone ignoring these guidelines they will penalise them which could lead to financial difficulties and closure. Therefore it is vital that individuals find health and safety courses which they can complete around their busy work schedules to ensure that they adhere to the health and safety regulations.

This article will explore how course providers are offering flexible courses to enable you to complete the relevant health and safety training around your busy work and home schedules.

Flexible Training Schemes

Many health and safety course providers are now bending over backwards to create flexible training schemes. This flexibility will allow you to choose a course which fits in with your daily life, allowing you to complete the necessary training without affecting your normal working day. What’s more, providers are creating courses which are designed solely around your needs to ensure that you get the relevant information to your industry sector or job specification. This means that there is a great plethora of health and safety courses which have been constructed to teach you the health and safety measures which relate directly to your line of work and even your specific working environment.

Providers have also created short-term intense courses which last just one day which minimises the loss of business or working hours to your company. To make it even easier for you, some health and safety course tutors are willing to teach the course to those who need it at your own premises. This saves money on transport and means that the tutor can tailor the course to your needs by understanding your work environment.

Flexible Online Courses for Workers, Supervisors & Managers

Online & E-learning Courses

Another way that health and safety course providers are making training more accessible and available to you is by creating online (instructor-led) or e-learning interactive courses. E-learning gives you complete control and flexibility over you learning and allows you to complete the course in your own time. This means that the course is less intense and impacts less on your daily life. Online courses also allow you to learn at your own pace whilst they record your progress, providing you with relevant guidance, support and feedback to sustain your learning. By managing your own time through an online interactive course you can complete the relevant and necessary training easily.

Many people argue that they are unable to complete health and safety training because of time constraints and a busy work schedule. However, E-learning courses make completing the necessary training easy as they are flexible and are designed around your lifestyle and needs. View IOSH online courses and NEBOSH online courses.

View all online and e-learning courses.

Ignoring Health and Safety? Your Business Could be Facing Extinction

Could your business afford to spend out thousands of pounds on accidents in the workplace? Would you ever recover from such an outlay and how would you cope if it happened again in the future? Many businesses could be facing extinction simply by ignoring the importance of health and safety in the workplace.

If you don’t want to go the way of the dinosaurs and the dodo then you need to start improving your health and safety measures now and taking action to reduce risks and hazards in your business.

Case Study

It is important you understand just how much even a simple workplace accident could cost you. The aftermath could be disastrous to your business. Not only could this cost you financially but it could also damage your business reputation and put your future in jeopardy. You can see the average costs in this example case study below:

  • An office worker for a small business of just 15 members of staff tripped over a loose cable and broke his arm in two places in the resulting fall.
  • He was off work for 6 months on full pay following the accident.
  • The costs to the business soon started to escalate. Firstly the wages paid out whilst the injured worker was off on sick leave added up to nearly £9,000.
  • In addition to this a replacement worker had to be brought in to provide cover during this period of absence. This added up to just over £7,000.
  • The injured worker also filed a personal injury claim. This was settled out of court and the full costs of legal fees and payout totalled over £12,000.
  • The manager and members of the administration team spent many hours dealing with the aftermath of this accident, resulting in loss of production adding up to around £5,000.
  • The company’s liability insurance premiums went up following this accident, now adding an additional £2,000 to annual expenses.
  • So this one simple accident cost this small company £35,000 and placed a huge strain on the staff and managers.

Accidents and Business

Accidents at work could cost you dearly. Many accidents could be easily avoided though with the right health and safety measures in place. Investing in health and safety now could prevent disasters from occurring in the future. You cannot afford to just ignore health and safety and hope for the best. You may be saving money by cutting corners now, but you could be facing a big bill in the future. Don’t forget that failing to comply with health and safety laws can result in prosecution. It is just not worth the risks to save a few pennies now.

Get your health and safety sorted out by calling in the experts. With IOSH Managing Safely it has never been easier. A trained member of staff will be able to carry out a full risk assessment for your business. They will then be able to guide you through compliance with health and safety and help you prevent accidents in the future.

Counting the Costs of Accidents in the Workplace

There is one massive cost to the UK economy that many people overlook when trying to plan for the future. Many of us do not realise that failings in health and safety are costing UK businesses billions of pounds every year. This astonishing loss to the UK economy comes from accident, injury and fatalities in the workplace. This costs lives and money needlessly, as in many cases the risks of accident and injury can be significantly reduced with the right health and safety measures in place.

Understanding the Costs

It is essential that everyone understands just how important health and safety is. Without this underpinning knowledge managers and workers can be inclined to overlook health and safety and not treat it very seriously. The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) offers a number of clear and easy to understand publications and campaigns on health and safety. This can help explain just how important this field is when it comes to reducing the risks of accident and injury in the workplace. Once everyone understands just how important health and safety is, and how many lives it can save, they will be more likely to follow new guidelines and ensure compliance.

False Economy

Taking short cuts at work is a false economy. You may think you are saving time and money, but you could be sitting on an expensive time bomb. Cost-cutting can cost lives if it affects the safety of working practices and the working environment. Complying with health and safety legislation doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Once the basic health and safety risk assessment has been carried out it will simply be a matter of following practical steps to reduce risks and minimise hazards. With improved health and safety management this should not cost companies very much and could save them a lot of money in the future by protecting against costly accidents and injuries.

Count the True Cost

Just one accident in the workplace could cost your business thousands of pounds. For example a simple slip and trip accident could result in a broken bone. The average time off sick for a fracture injury is anything from 4 to 8 months.  Paying the wages for an injured worker during this time will result in thousands of pounds and you then need to add other costs such as:

  • Wages for replacement cover for the injured worker
  • Loss of production resulting from accident
  • Loss of time for those managers and admin staff dealing with aftermath of accident
  • Legal expenses
  • Compensation from personal injuries claims
  • Rises in employers liability insurance

Studies have shown that the total costs to businesses for the injury of just one worker could result in as much as between £30,000 and £60,000.  Could your business afford this kind of cost for failings in health and safety?

Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

IOSH courses and NEBOSH courses can help steer your business in the right direction. This can work towards ensuring compliance with health and safety legalisation and reducing the risks of accident and injury in the workplace.

Accident Training Courses

Work Safety and Qualifications

Health and Safety in the workplace is of paramount importance to all businesses, big or small. While the current government has pledged to remove Health and Safety red tape for businesses, this does not mean that any firm can afford to ignore the implications of existing legislation, nor does the lifting of some regulations mean that firms should not undertake necessary safety precautions and ensure that the workplace and working practices are fully compliant with the law. For small firms, in particular, the obligations can seem onerous but with the right health and safety training, health and safety practices can be implemented that are effective and ensure that your staff work safely and limit loss of productivity resulting from accidents.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

At a basic level every member of your firm is responsible for Health and Safety, but managers, HR staff and business owners in particular all need to be aware of their responsibilities and be active in implementing and promoting safety at work. In small firms the necessary expertise may be lacking – as managers or supervisors may have a large range of responsibilities. Ensuring that these members of staff are equipped with suitable skills and knowledge is therefore vital. One of the best training packages available for small firms is the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.  This is a nationally recognised qualification that provides an excellent grounding in occupational health and safety.

Training Requirements

Although there is no legal requirement for managers and supervisors to have formal qualifications in Health and Safety the NEBOSH qualifications are worth considering.  For business owners fostering a positive attitude to safety issues and procedures is essential. The NEBOSH General Certificate offers not only a broad level of information, but helps in understanding issues and legislation relating to workplace safety. It also equips those who take the qualification with valuable skills that will, in the longer term, save time and money for your firm. By understanding safety issues and becoming familiar with appropriate assessments, including fire risk assessments, staff are able to manage safety issues efficiently and learn to prepare and implement safety procedures quickly. Greater awareness of health and safety issues will also help to foster a positive and practical approach in the workplace.

Practical Training for Professionals

Most firms that offer the NEBOSH courses will offer either in-house training or training at their own centres.  For firms who require a number of staff to be trained, the in-house option is probably the most suitable; while for those who require only one or two staff to be trained outsourcing is sensible. The NEBOSH General Certificate itself is broken down into three sections; management of Health and Safety, Workplace hazards and the final assessment section. The assessment includes two written examinations and a practical assessment; this latter is conducted in the firm’s own premises, which is useful on a practical level.

Oil and Troubled Waters

Considering the nature of working in the oil industry, the number of serious injuries or fatalities amongst oil workers based in the UK is relatively low. The most dangerous UK industries tend to be construction and agriculture, however, safety for workers in the oil industry is a serious issue. Fatalities in the UK’s oil industry are often, though not always, the result of air accidents with the worst single incident claiming 45 lives in 1986 in a Chinook crash. The importance of health and safety in the offshore industry is crucial to the operation of the oil business and it’s not only closely monitored and regulated but is also taken very seriously by oil companies. The NEBOSH Oil and Gas Certificate is one of the most common qualifications that apply to the industry and is nationally recognised as playing an important part in the safe operation of offshore platforms.

What is NEBOSH?

NEBOSH was established in the late 1970s and is the awarding body for a large range of Occupational Health and Safety qualifications. The body has charitable status and creates the syllabuses and awards the certificates for those who have successfully completed the courses. However, NEBOSH does not deliver the training itself – this is done by accredited training firms. In some cases educational establishments offer NEBOSH courses and in other cases private training firms deliver them. Some of the courses are offered as distance learning options – as is the case for the Oil and Gas Certificate. When finding a training provider employers should confirm that the provider is accredited by NEBOSH to deliver the courses, and there are well over 400 accredited firms to choose from.

NEBOSH Oil and Gas Certificate – Comprehensive Cover

The NEBOSH Oil and Gas Certificate is suited to any employee working in the industry but it is particularly aimed at supervisors or managers as they hold key responsibilities for safety. The NEBOSH Oil and Gas course covers all relevant aspects of safety in the industry and not only equips the candidates with practical knowledge and experience but also helps to instil good working practices and raise awareness of issues facing managers and supervisors within the oil industry. Areas covered include all aspects of health, safety and environmental management. The course will also look at the hydrocarbon safety process, fire protection, emergency response systems, logistics and transport safety issues.

Building on Safety Records

The Oil and Gas industry qualifications are essential for key personnel in the industry and the NEBOSH qualification has the advantage of being recognised not only nationally in the UK but also globally as a leading standard of qualification. Given the nature of work in the industry this makes it a particularly attractive option for both employers and individual workers, opening up opportunities in both the UK industry and further a-field. Despite its risky nature, the British Oil and Gas industry has a good and improving safety record, for employers a key factor in safety issues is ensuring that staff are correctly trained to high standards.

NEBOSH Courses Which Other Students Book

What’s So Good about the NEBOSH Environmental Certificate?

The NEBOSH Environmental Certificate will provide you or an employee of yours with valuable skills that are worth having. Why? Simply because with qualifications in environmental management you are able to help your business save money and improve on the way you stay on top of your responsibilities.

One of your responsibilities is to stay on top of the legal requirements that have been set out. There are environmental laws and international management systems to follow such as the ISO 14001. The ISO 14001 is part of the 14000 family that includes all sorts of tools and standards that include management, cycle analysis, auditing and communication.

What Does the Environment Certificate Cover?

The environmental certificate by NEBOSH is a great place to start learning valuable skills and techniques that can be used in any industry. The syllabus covers many practical issues and is tailored around the best practices as well as the international standards you need to be complying with. There are many topics to learn such as the control of pollution within your organisation as well as dealing with any environmental problems or emergencies that arise.

Using environmental management systems learnt on the training it is possible to see what the issues are that are hurting your organisation the most. From there you will be able to control and manage these problems and reduce losses and improve the trust that is built by being a responsible firm.  By making the systems a key performance indicator to stay on top of the work being carried out and see the cost benefits quickly and easily.

Why NEBOSH?

The National Examinational Board in Occupational Safety and Health is widely recognised both domestically and abroad. With their courses you are given excellent skills and techniques as well as a qualification that will serve the successful candidate and your entire organisation.

The NEBOSH courses can be found all over the country and taken at any time. You can send your employees off to a local learning centre to take the training or take advantage of long distance/eLearning opportunities.

The benefits of the certificate include:

  • Reducing your costs in regards to distribution
  • Saving energy, reducing costs relating to energy and materials
  • Improving your corporate image
  • Save money by improving your waste management

No Qualifications Required

Anyone is able to attend the NEBOSH Environmental Certificate courses. It is a brilliant place to start and there are further opportunities to strengthen the skills within your team thanks to the National Diploma that is also provided by the National Examination Board in Occupational Health and Safety. The certificate is a great starting point for more in depth training but this course alone will be beneficial to your firm.

Don’t lose money or respect from your customers and investors. The training course ensures you comply with laws and standards required.

Other Environmental Awareness & Management Training Courses

Related Environment Posts and Content

Prepare for Fire with the NEBOSH Fire Certificate

Fires are devastating. They destroy businesses, buildings and can cause trauma, injuries and cost people their lives. Fires have to be prevented through careful management and prepared for should the worst happen. It is essential for all those in business to understand the risks and learn how to control them, which is the purpose of the NEBOSH Fire Certificate.

Learn More about the Fire Qualification

If you have employees who have completed the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety they would benefit by increasing their skills and attending the NEBOSH Fire Certificate course. To gain a position the candidates needs to have successfully passed the General Certificate in the past five years, or at least completed the first unit titles Management of Safety and Health. If you have not completed the first unit successfully you can do so by taking it first. View the entire range of NEBOSH courses available.

There are two units in the fire certificate that need to be completed. The first one focuses on the fire safety and risk management and the second involves a practical assessment. During the short course the candidates learn about the legal framework that all businesses must be aware of and follow. Fires are looked at in great detail so the individuals will know about ignition, how fire spreads and what causes explosions at work. The investigation process is also examined so they can be understood.

Learn the Value of Fire Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are used to help determine what the fire hazards are and the dangers they present. On the fire certificate the candidates will produce simple fire risk assessments and learn how to work with the findings to come up with suitable control measures.

At the end of the training each of the candidates will have to complete a practical assessment which makes up unit two. This involves completing a fire risk assessment at work and has to be completed once the course has come to an end. There is a window of two weeks for the assessment to be completed and to be submitted to NEBOSH so it can be assessed. Failure to pass the second unit will require a resit.

Qualification and Study Options

Those who successfully pass the course are awarded with the NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management. The certificate usually arrives within 12 weeks of the course coming to an end and it is recognised throughout the UK so it’s of benefit to the candidate and to your organisation.

You are able to sign up your employees to a course at a local learning centre or arrange to have the training held in your workplace if that is suitable. Candidates also have the option of signing up for the training themselves thanks to the flexibility of the distance learning option.

The NEBOSH Fire Certificate is an excellent course. Reducing the risks and applying control measures benefits the business and the work force.

NEBOSH Courses Which Other Students Book

NEBOSH Distance Learning Opens Doors

Health and safety careers require a lot of training. The laws and best practices keep changing and there is a lot of need to ensure the management is kept up to standard. Failing to comply with the laws can lead to serious injuries, occupational diseases and even fatalities so education and qualifications are essential. NEBOSH distance learning gives a way to train while working and there are many different health and safety courses to choose from.

The following NEBOSH distance learning and online courses are available:

Traditional Classroom Courses Don’t Suit Everyone

Traditionally taught courses often require you to attend a learning centre either for a week or two or on a weekly basis. This is often a great way to get the course completed in a short period of time but it’s not suitable for everyone. Employers may not be able to do without your assistance for such extended periods and you may not find the environment suitable for how you learn, not everyone is able to do their best in a classroom setting.

Learn at your Own Pace

If you would prefer to learn at your own speed or cannot afford to take time off you may need to look at the alternatives. The National Examination Board of Occupational Health and Safety provide many of their excellent courses on an e-learning or distance learning basis. These options allow you to complete the training either at work or at home.

If your employer has chosen to send you for training they need to allow you time to complete the training in your own working hours. The e-learning course can be completed during set hours. If you are paying for your own training you can complete it when you are not working at your own home or in any location where you have access to a quiet environment with a computer that is connected to the Internet.

Some of the courses allow you extra time to complete the course. As long as you complete the exams on time you can choose how quickly or slowly you work through the materials. You will be provided with everything you need, such as books and the course contents that are most often provided online.

Your NEBOSH Distance Learning Qualification is Valuable

When you take a distance learning course the qualification will be the same as the one you would receive if you took the course in the traditional classroom setting. You achieve the same level of skills and techniques and the same certification. NEBOSH provide highly respected, accredited and recognised qualifications that can open doors and improve your earning potential.

There are many NEBOSH courses to choose from that are available via distance learning. Some of the popular choices are the General Certificate, Construction Certificate, National Diploma and the Fire Certificate.

The distance learning courses provide a flexible way to earn new qualifications. Open more doors and take control of your career.

Tips for Pursuing a Career in Health and Safety

Are you considering a career in the field of health and safety or becoming a health and safety officer? This noble profession is very high in demand throughout the country, as health and safety is an essential concern for all workplaces. Working in the field of health and safety will be an exciting, challenging, hands-on job that will really make a difference.

What is a Health and Safety Professional Responsible for?

A health and safety professional is responsible for monitoring the compliance of the company with the rules and regulations of health and safety law. Their job is to examine all workplace practices, procedures, environments and policies to ensure that everything is being done as safely as possible. They are also responsible for educating employees on health and safety matters and ensuring that everyone in the workplace is trained and informed on the correct procedures. Also, a health and safety professional will sometimes be responsible for enforcing compliance if a company has been found guilty of breaching health and safety rules.

If this is the career path you are considering, here are some tips that will help you toward success, from studying NEBOSH past papers to preparing for a job interview.

Tips for Aspiring Health and Safety Professionals

Here are some valuable tips that will come in handy if you plan to pursue a career in health and safety:

  1. Consider which sector you would like to work in and then focus your attention there. For example, you could work in a field such as construction for a private company or you would work for a larger government agency.
  2. Don’t just memorise the facts. Sometimes health and safety officers get too worried about the rules and regulations of the workplace and forget about their practical application. You must be able to consider the human side of health and safety as well.
  3. When you are taking your NEBOSH course, there will be an exam at the end to verify that you know the subject matter. You can use past papers from previous years to study so that you get a feel for what the exam is like.
  4. When you are being interviewed for health and safety jobs, you will often be taken through many test scenarios and asked how you would respond. You can prepare for this by analysing a few example scenarios before your interview begins.

If you are applying for a job in a particular type of workplace or industry, take some time to research in advance and find out about the specific technology and equipment used within that workplace so that you can be aware of any particular health and safety risks.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind when working toward a career in the field of health and safety.

Health and Safety Courses for Supervisors & Managers

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