A Guide to IOSH Working Safely
In the workplaces of today, safety is everyone’s responsibility- not just management’s. Regardless of which industry you’re working in, employees at all levels face potential risks, even if they’re small risks. So a proactive approach to health and safety is vital. That’s where IOSH Working Safely comes in.
A globally recognised training programme designed to improve safety awareness and encourage safer working practices, this IOSH course differs from the IOSH Managing Safely course in that, rather than being aimed at managers and supervisors, it’s aimed at all workers.
Today’s blog will break down the basics of the training, why safety matters in every industry, the benefits of taking the course, who should attend, the structure of the training, and more.
What is IOSH Working Safely?
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is the world’s largest membership organisation for health and safety training. Working Safely is a one-day, fully online course. It’s tailored to employees across any sector, and introduces the core principles of workplace safety in a straightforward way. A candidate with this certification is a candidate with a clear, verifiable record of their foundational knowledge.
Why Safety Training Matters in Every Industry
Workplace accidents can happen anywhere. Even industries considered “low-risk” still face hazards, such as:
- Trips, slips, and falls: The most common type of workplace accident, often caused by poor housekeeping or spills.
- Poor manual handling practices: Leading to long-term back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders.
- Exposure to hazardous substances: Present in cleaning products, chemicals, and even dust, which can cause both short-term and long-term health issues.
- Fire risks: Caused by faulty equipment, poor storage, or lack of fire safety awareness.
- Poor workstation ergonomics: Leading to repetitive strain injuries and other long-term health problems.
Key Benefits of Taking IOSH Working Safely
The course delivers a wide range of benefits for both individuals, and for organisations. For individuals, it provides:
- Practical knowledge: Employees learn how to spot hazards, report them, and take immediate action to mitigate risks.
- Confidence: Staff feel more empowered to make safe decisions and to speak up if they see something wrong.
- Career enhancement: The qualification adds a globally recognised certificate to your CV, demonstrating a commitment to safety and professionalism.
For organisations, the benefits are even more extensive:
- Reduced incidents: Fewer workplace accidents mean less downtime, fewer compensation claims, and a more productive workforce.
- Compliance: The course helps businesses meet their legal health and safety obligations, and ensures they’re well-prepared for audits.
- Improved culture: It promotes a positive safety culture where safety is seen as a shared responsibility, not just a set of rules.
Who Should Attend This Training?
The course is designed for all employees, regardless of their role or industry. It’s particularly useful for:
- Office staff: Who may face ergonomic risks, stress, or fire hazards. The course provides them with the knowledge to create a safer work area and to respond effectively in an emergency.
- Retail and hospitality workers: Who are constantly exposed to slips, trips, and manual handling issues. The course teaches them how to lift and carry safely and how to report hazards to management.
- Construction and manufacturing staff: Working with tools and machinery. The course provides them with a foundational understanding of key risks, and the importance of using the correct PPE.
- Healthcare workers: Who are managing patient handling and biological risks. The course helps them understand their legal and moral duties to protect themselves, and their patients.
Course Structure of IOSH Working Safely
The training is structured to be clear, interactive, and accessible. It typically covers:
- Introduction to workplace hazards and risks: This module helps learners differentiate between a hazard (something that has the potential to cause harm) and a risk (the likelihood of that harm occurring).
- Understanding personal responsibility for safety: This module explains a person’s legal duty of care to themselves and their colleagues under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
- Risk assessment basics: This module teaches a simple four-step process for conducting a basic risk assessment: identify, evaluate, control, and review.
- Practical ways to improve workplace safety: This module focuses on practical control measures, such as using the correct PPE and following safe systems of work.
- Environmental awareness and sustainability: This module explains a worker’s responsibility to minimise waste, reduce energy consumption, and protect the environment.
What Skills Will You Gain?
By completing the course, participants develop several essential skills, including:
- Hazard identification: The ability to spot potential risks in the workplace, from a spill on the floor to a frayed electrical wire.
- Risk assessment: The competence to evaluate and minimise dangers by applying a simple hierarchy of control.
- Practical safety measures: The ability to implement safe systems of work, such as using correct manual handling techniques.
- Improved communication: The confidence to raise concerns, report a near-miss, and share safety advice with colleagues.
How the Course Fits into Wider Safety Standards
The course is aligned with UK health and safety legislation and best practice standards. It’s the foundational course that can be combined with other training initiatives to build a comprehensive safety culture. It complements other training such as:
- Manual handling courses: A person with this certification will have a foundational understanding of the risks of manual handling, and will be better prepared for a specialist course.
- Fire safety awareness: The course provides a basic understanding of fire hazards, which can be built upon with a full fire safety course.
- First aid training: It reinforces the importance of being aware of accidents and knowing how to respond.
- Environmental awareness programmes: It provides a basic understanding of environmental responsibilities that can be built upon.
By combining IOSH Working Safely with these, organisations can build a comprehensive safety culture that meets both legal requirements, and industry expectations.
Why Employers Value IOSH Working Safely Certification
Employers see clear benefits when staff complete this course:
- Lower accident rates: A well-trained workforce is a safer workforce, which reduces costs and liability.
- Improved compliance: The course helps businesses meet legal health and safety obligations, and ensures they are well-prepared for audits and inspections.
- Higher employee engagement: When a company invests in safety training, it shows a commitment to the well-being of its employees, which boosts morale and engagement.
- Enhanced reputation: Having certified staff also demonstrates to clients and regulators that a business takes its health and safety obligations seriously.
Can the Course Be Completed Online?
CST Training offers the course online. This option is ideal for businesses with remote teams, or individuals looking to fit training around busy schedules. The online version still includes interactive activities, assessments, and tutor support. As with classroom-based training, successful completion earns the same globally recognised IOSH certificate. This flexibility makes it more accessible to a wider range of professionals, ensuring that no one is excluded from the training due to their location or due to their schedule.
How IOSH Working Safely Promotes Safer Workplaces
When employees complete the course, they bring new habits and awareness back into the workplace. For example:
- Identifying a trip hazard: A trained employee will spot a trailing electrical wire and tape it down before someone gets hurt.
- Reporting faulty equipment: They’ll know the importance of reporting faulty equipment promptly, which can prevent a serious accident.
- Using correct manual handling techniques: They will use the correct techniques for lifting heavy stock, which can prevent long-term back injuries.
- Encouraging colleagues: A trained employee will encourage their colleagues to follow safety procedures, which creates a ripple effect throughout the organisation.
The Role of Safety Awareness in Career Progression
Health and safety knowledge is highly valued in today’s job market. Holding this certificate can:
- Make your CV stand out to employers.
- Support career development in supervisory or management roles.
- Demonstrate commitment to professionalism and workplace wellbeing.
How Long Does the Course Take to Complete?
The course is designed to be short and efficient, lasting just one day. This makes it accessible to busy professionals, and easy for employers to schedule without major disruption to operations. Despite its short duration, the course packs in a wealth of practical information and actionable insights that are immediately applicable in the workplace.
Real-Life Applications of IOSH Working Safely
Practical examples of the course in action include:
- A retail assistant learning to safely lift heavy stock to avoid back injuries.
- An office worker spotting and reporting trailing electrical wires that could cause a trip hazard.
- A factory worker adopting safer machine operation practices and wearing the correct PPE.
- A hospitality employee learning fire evacuation procedures and how to use a fire extinguisher.
Choosing the Right Provider for IOSH Working Safely
When selecting a training provider, it’s important to do your research to ensure a quality learning experience. Consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure they are IOSH-approved, as this is your guarantee of a legitimate qualification.
- Trainer experience: Instructors with industry backgrounds provide richer insights and real-world examples.
- Support: Look for providers who offer access to learning materials.
Conclusion: A Guide to IOSH Working Safely
The IOSH Working Safely course is a tool for empowering employees, strengthening workplace culture, and reducing risks across all industries. It’s short, practical, and highly effective.
If you still have any questions regarding the course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
