IOSH Managing Safely: All You Need to Know
A manager’s role isn’t just about meeting targets; it’s about ensuring their team is safe. This is true of just about any industry, and it’s the core principle of IOSH Managing Safely.
Developed by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, the course is widely regarded as the benchmark when it comes to health and safety training for managers, or supervisors. It provides candidates with all the essential knowledge, and skills, for managing safety in an effective, compliant manner.
In today’s blog, we’ll be breaking down all you need to know about the course, including why workplace safety is so important, the main benefits of the course, who should take IOSH training, and more.
What is IOSH Managing Safely?
The IOSH is a leading health and safety qualification designed specifically for managers, supervisors, and team leaders. It’s an internationally recognised certificate that equips individuals with the practical tools and knowledge to manage their health and safety responsibilities effectively, and with confidence.
Unlike some qualifications that are heavy on legal theory, Managing Safely focuses on a hands-on, jargon-free approach. It teaches managers how to identify, assess, and control risks, as well as how to investigate incidents and measure performance.
The course is built on the belief that safety is a collective responsibility, and that managers are key to embedding a positive safety culture in any workplace, regardless of its size or sector.
Why Workplace Safety Matters
Workplace safety is fundamental for any business. The reasons are threefold: moral, legal, and financial.
Firstly, there’s a clear moral duty to protect employees from harm. Every person has the right to a safe and healthy working environment.
Secondly, there’s the legal obligation. Legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to provide adequate health and safety training to their staff. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, fines, and even imprisonment.
Lastly, there’s a significant financial impact. Accidents and ill health lead to lost productivity, increased insurance premiums, and potential legal costs. The training course addresses all three of these points, giving managers the skills to proactively manage safety and reduce risks.
Key Benefits of IOSH Managing Safely Training
The benefits of completing the training extend far beyond a certificate. For individuals, the qualification significantly boosts their credibility as a safety-conscious leader.
For organisations, the benefits are even more extensive. A well-trained management team is a key driver of a positive safety culture, leading to a demonstrable reduction in accidents and injuries. This, in turn, improves productivity, as fewer days are lost to illness and accidents.
The training also enhances a company’s reputation. It can be a powerful selling point when bidding for new business, as clients increasingly look for partners who can prove their commitment to safety.
Who Should Take This Course?
The course isn’t just for dedicated health and safety professionals. It’s designed for managers, supervisors, team leaders, and anyone with managerial or supervisory responsibilities, regardless of the industry.
The course is suitable for managers in manufacturing, retail, corporate services, or any other sector where people are employed. It’s also a good choice for aspiring managers and for individuals who have recently taken on a new role with added health and safety responsibilities. The course gives them the confidence, knowledge, and practical tools to effectively manage the safety and well-being of their team.
Course Content Overview
The syllabus is divided into seven key modules, each designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of a manager’s safety responsibilities. The modules are:
- Introducing Managing Safely: This module provides the moral, legal, and financial reasons for managing safely.
- Assessing Risks: You will learn a simple, yet effective, process for conducting risk assessments.
- Controlling Risks: This module focuses on the hierarchy of risk control and how to implement effective control measures.
- Understanding Responsibilities: You will gain a clear understanding of your legal and moral duties under health and safety legislation.
- Common Hazards: This module covers a wide range of hazards, from mechanical and physical to environmental and organisational.
- Investigating Incidents: You will learn how to conduct a structured incident investigation to find root causes and prevent recurrence.
- Measuring Performance: This module focuses on using both proactive and reactive measures to monitor safety performance.
What to Expect During the IOSH Managing Safely Assessment
The assessment is a two-part process designed to test both your theoretical knowledge and your practical application of it. The first part is a multi-format test that consists of a variety of question types. This tests your understanding of the course material.
The second part is a practical risk assessment project. You’ll be required to conduct a risk assessment in your workplace, and submit an action plan.
Certification and Recognition
Upon successful completion of both parts of the assessment, you’ll receive an IOSH certificate, which is a widely recognised credential. It’s respected by employers across all industries. The certificate is a clear signal that you’ve met a high standard of competence in health and safety management.
How IOSH Managing Safely Supports Career Growth
The certification is a powerful tool for career growth. It’s a sign of a professional’s competence, and a commitment to professional development. The qualification can lead to new job opportunities, promotions, and a higher salary, as employers are actively seeking managers who can demonstrate a proactive approach to safety.
The certificate is also a valuable stepping stone to higher-level qualifications, such as the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. It provides a strong foundation that can be built upon to pursue a career as a dedicated health and safety professional.
Difference Between IOSH and NEBOSH Courses
When choosing a health and safety qualification, the difference between IOSH and NEBOSH courses is a common point of confusion. The key difference lies in their purpose and target audience. IOSH courses, such as Managing Safely, are typically more practical, concise, and aimed at managers and supervisors who are not health and safety professionals. The focus is on providing the skills to manage safety as part of their day-to-day role.
NEBOSH courses, on the other hand, are often more comprehensive and academically rigorous. They’re aimed at aspiring and practising health and safety professionals. An easy way to think about it is: IOSH teaches you how to manage safely, while NEBOSH teaches you how to be a safety professional.
Why Employers Value IOSH Managing Safely Certification
Employers place a high value on the certification. There’s a few reasons for this. The qualification provides a clear and verifiable record of a manager’s competence, which is an essential part of an employer’s duty of care. It reduces a company’s legal liability, improves productivity through a reduction in accidents, and fosters a positive safety culture.
In today’s market, having an IOSH-trained management team is a powerful selling point that can attract new business, and retain a skilled workforce. The certificate is a sign that a company is committed to the well-being of its employees.
Can the Course Be Completed Online?
Yes, the course can be completed online. There are two main online formats available:
- Live Virtual Classroom: This format provides a live, interactive learning experience with a tutor. It’s a great option for those who want the benefits of a classroom course without the travel.
- Self-Paced E-learning: This format provides learners with the flexibility to complete the course at their own pace. It’s an excellent choice for busy professionals who need to fit their training around their work schedule. Both online formats lead to the same official certification and are widely accepted by employers.
How IOSH Managing Safely Improves Workplace Compliance
IOSH is a powerful tool for improving workplace compliance. The course gives managers the knowledge to understand and follow key health and safety legislation. They learn how to identify and rectify non-compliance issues, before they become a problem. This reduces the risk of fines, and injuries.
Real-World Applications of IOSH Managing Safely
The course is all about real-world application. A manager with this qualification can, for example, use their risk assessment skills to evaluate a new piece of equipment before it’s introduced to the team. They can use their communication skills to deliver a safety briefing that is both engaging, and informative. They can also use their knowledge of incident investigation to find the root cause of a near-miss, and implement measures to prevent it from happening again. The skills learned are directly transferable. They can be applied to any workplace situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the certificate valid? The certificate is a lifetime qualification and does not expire, although refresher training every three years is recommended.
- Is it for me if I’m not a manager? Yes, if you have or are aspiring to have any health and safety responsibilities as part of your role.
Why Choose IOSH Managing Safely for Your Team?
Investing in the training for your management team is a strategic decision. It can benefit the entire organisation. It shows a commitment to the safety and well-being of your employees, which can improve morale and retention.
A well-trained management team is a key driver of a positive safety culture, leading to fewer accidents, and improved productivity. It’s a foundational qualification, and provides a clear return on investment. Ultimately, it helps to build a more resilient, and responsible, organisation.
Conclusion (IOSH Managing Safely: All You Need to Know)
IOSH Managing Safely is a vital, practical qualification that empowers managers to be proactive leaders in safety. It’s a one-time investment that provides a comprehensive understanding of risk management, legal duties, and the practical application of safety principles.
If you still have any questions regarding these courses, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
