IOSH Courses: Working Safely vs Managing Safely
Effective health and safety practices are essential for every workplace, no matter the industry. IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) courses are designed to promote safety awareness and ensure legal compliance. At CST Training, we offer two key IOSH courses, “Working Safely” and “Managing Safely,” which are both tailored to different roles within an organisation. Whether you’re an employee looking to enhance your safety knowledge or a manager responsible for a team, these courses are vital for building both competence, and confidence.
This blog breaks down the purposes, benefits, and key features of the IOSH Working Safely and Managing Safely courses to help you decide which one is the right choice for your career.
What Are IOSH Courses and Why Are They Important?
IOSH is a global leader in safety and health training, offering programs designed to equip employees at all levels with the knowledge and tools to work safely and manage risks effectively. These courses benefit businesses by fostering a proactive safety culture, reducing workplace hazards, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
IOSH qualifications are widely recognised and respected across industries, making them valuable for both career growth and organisational improvement. They help employees understand their roles in preventing accidents, and provide managers with the skills to implement safety systems that minimise risks.
An Overview of IOSH Working Safely
The IOSH Working Safely course is aimed at employees across all sectors and organisational levels. It focuses on basic health and safety knowledge required to perform daily tasks without endangering themselves or others.
This one-day course is accessible and straightforward, covering fundamentals such as identifying hazards, understanding workplace risks, and following safe practices. It’s particularly effective for fostering a safety culture where everyone contributes to maintaining a safer environment.
An Overview of IOSH Managing Safely
IOSH Managing Safely is a more advanced course designed for managers, supervisors, and team leaders. It equips them with in-depth knowledge of health and safety management, enabling them to identify risks, conduct assessments, and implement preventive measures.This course typically lasts three to five days, and dives into topics such as compliance, accident investigation, and controlling workplace hazards. It prepares managers to take ownership of safety policies and effectively safeguard their teams.
Key Differences Between IOSH Working Safely and Managing Safely
Although both courses aim to enhance workplace safety, their focus and depth of content differ significantly.
Audience
- Working Safely: Designed for all employees to understand basic safety practices.
- Managing Safely: Tailored for managers and supervisors to lead safety initiatives.
Duration
- Working Safely: A one-day course, ideal for quick upskilling.
- Managing Safely: A longer course (3 days) with more comprehensive content.
Content Depth
- Working Safely: Covers general safety concepts like hazard identification and safe work practices.
- Managing Safely: Focuses on advanced topics, such as risk assessment, accident investigation, and compliance management.
Ultimately, the “Working Safely” course offers foundational knowledge, while “Managing Safely” builds on those foundations to tackle leadership responsibilities in safety management.
Who Should Take the IOSH Working Safely Course?
This course is suitable for any employee who plays a hands-on role in the workplace, from office workers to factory operatives. It’s particularly valuable for those who may not have formal training but need to understand the importance of safe working practices.
Whether you’re new to a job or looking for refresher training, IOSH Working Safely ensures you’re equipped to identify hazards and protect yourself and others from harm.
Who Should Take the IOSH Managing Safely Course?
IOSH Managing Safely is designed for individuals in leadership roles. Managers, supervisors, and team leaders responsible for implementing safety protocols and overseeing staff would greatly benefit.
The course is ideal for you if your duties include risk assessments, accident reporting, or ensuring compliance with safety laws. If you’re aiming to lead by example and inspire a culture of proactive safety management, this is the course for you.
How IOSH Working Safely Benefits Employees Across All Levels
Employees are the backbone of any organisation, and poor health and safety practices can have potentially serious impacts. Working Safely empowers employees by strengthening their safety awareness and helping them identify hazards before they cause harm.
This course teaches workers to understand their role in creating a safer workplace. With the knowledge gained, employees can actively contribute to reducing accidents while ensuring their own safety and the safety of colleagues.
How IOSH Managing Safely Prepares Managers for Leadership in Safety
The Managing Safely course equips managers with the tools to go beyond compliance and foster a safety-first culture. Participants learn how to assess risks, investigate incidents, and implement changes that minimise hazards.
By the end of the course, managers feel confident in their ability to enforce safety protocols and make informed decisions for the wellbeing of their teams. These skills not only enhance workplace safety but also support professional development.
IOSH Courses: What Topics Are Covered in Working Safely?
- Introduction to workplace safety
- Hazard identification and risk awareness
- Safe work practices and responsibilities
- Environmental protection basics
- Accident prevention
The course uses relatable examples and interactive sessions to ensure employees can immediately apply what they’ve learned.
What Topics Are Covered in IOSH Managing Safely?
- Understanding your responsibilities as a manager
- Conducting effective risk assessments
- Accident investigation techniques
- Legal requirements in health and safety
- Implementing systems for hazard control
- Environmental management practices
This course utilises practical exercises and case studies to prepare managers for real-world challenges.
How Long Does It Take to Complete IOSH Courses?
Working Safely takes just one day, making it easy to fit into even the busiest schedules.
Managing Safely, being more in-depth, typically requires three to five days to complete depending on the format.
Both courses offer a manageable timeline. Also with Managing Safely, you have the ability to study online or in-person, which provides extra flexibility.
What Are the Assessment Methods for IOSH Working Safely?
Participants are assessed through a short multiple-choice exam and practical exercises. These tasks ensure that employees can demonstrate their understanding of key safety principles.
What Are the Assessment Methods for IOSH Managing Safely?
Assessment for this course includes both a written test and a workplace-based project. This combination evaluates a manager’s theoretical knowledge and ability to apply safety practices on the job.
Can You Take IOSH Courses Online or In-Person?
At CST Training, we offer online and classroom-based delivery options for the Managing Safely course to accommodate diverse learning needs. Online courses allow participants to learn at their own pace, while in-person sessions provide direct interaction with expert trainers.
Working Safely, on the other hand, is a fully online course.
How IOSH Working Safely Promotes Individual Responsibility in the Workplace
This course emphasises that safety is everyone’s responsibility. By empowering individuals to be vigilant, proactive, and informed, Working Safely ensures that safety isn’t just a policy but a daily practice among employees.
How IOSH Managing Safely Helps Managers Handle Risk Effectively
With Managing Safely, managers gain the skills to identify risks and implement measures that control them. The course prepares leaders to think ahead, plan effectively, and deal with safety challenges confidently.
What Are the Certification Benefits of IOSH Courses?
Upon completion, participants receive widely recognised certifications that enhance their professional credibility. These qualifications demonstrate commitment to safety and are highly valued by employers across industries.
IOSH Courses: How to Decide Between Working Safely and Managing Safely
Your choice depends on your role and responsibilities. If you’re an employee, start with Working Safely to build foundational knowledge. For managers tasked with enforcing health and safety laws, the Managing Safely course provides the depth and practical skills needed.
The Role of IOSH Courses in Building a Safety-First Culture
Both courses contribute to creating workplaces where safety is a shared priority. They instill accountability, improve communication, and ensure everyone understands their part in upholding safety standards.
How IOSH Courses Align with Legal Health and Safety Standards
The content of IOSH courses reflects current regulations and legal requirements, helping organisations stay compliant and avoid potential penalties. By enrolling staff in these programs, businesses demonstrate their commitment to employee wellbeing.
What Employers Look for in IOSH-Certified Professionals
Employers value IOSH credentials because they reflect competency, proactive behavior, and dedication to health and safety. These skills reduce risk in the workplace and boost organisational productivity.
How to Get Started with IOSH Courses
Getting started is easy with CST Training. Simply choose your preferred course, decide between Working Safely and Managing Safely, and register through our platform. Our expert instructors are here to guide you every step of the way.
Conclusion (IOSH Courses: Working Safely vs Managing Safely)
Both IOSH Working Safely and Managing Safely offer significant value. If you’re an employee looking to understand the basics and play your role in accident prevention, Working Safely is ideal. However, if you’re a manager ready to take on leadership responsibilities in health and safety, Managing Safely is the right choice.
At CST Training, our goal is to support your learning and professional development. No matter which course you choose, you’re taking a vital step toward creating safer workplaces.
If you still have any questions regarding the courses, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
