IOSH Working Safely: How to Get Qualified
Workplace health and safety is a crucial aspect of any job, and ensuring employees understand the risks they face is essential for creating a safe working environment. The IOSH Working Safely course is designed to provide employees with the fundamental knowledge needed to work safely, prevent accidents, and contribute to a healthier workplace.
Whether you’re an individual looking to enhance your safety awareness, or you’re an employer looking to train your staff, this course is a widely recognised qualification that offers a number of genuine benefits.
In today’s blog, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about IOSH Working Safely, including what the course involves, who it’s for, how to get qualified, and why it’s an excellent investment for workplace safety- and for your career.
What Is IOSH Working Safely?
IOSH Working Safely is an entry-level health and safety course accredited by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). The course is designed to provide employees with a solid understanding of workplace hazards, risk assessment, and their personal responsibility for maintaining the utmost health and safety in their workplace.
Unlike more advanced health and safety qualifications, IOSH Working Safely is aimed at employees in just about every industry, rather than managers or supervisors. The course helps individuals recognise common workplace hazards, reduce risks, and understand their role in creating a safer working environment.
The training is delivered in an interactive format, with real-life case studies, group discussions, and exercises designed to engage learners. At the end of the course, candidates will need to complete an assessment, through which they’ll be able to demonstrate their understanding before receiving their certificate.
Who Should Take the IOSH Working Safely Course?
One of the key advantages of IOSH Working Safely is its accessibility. The course is designed for workers at all levels, regardless of job role, industry, or previous health and safety experience. It’s particularly beneficial for employees who need a basic understanding of workplace safety, but who don’t currently have any managerial or supervisory responsibilities.
Many employers encourage their staff to complete the training as part of their commitment to health and safety. The course is relevant across a variety of industries, from construction and manufacturing, to retail and office environments. Anyone who wants to improve their safety awareness, and to ultimately contribute to a safer workplace, would likely benefit from acquiring this qualification.
How Do You Get Qualified in IOSH Working Safely?
Becoming qualified in IOSH Working Safely is fairly straightforward. The course is delivered entirely online, allowing learners to complete their training remotely- from anywhere. The training is led by a live tutor via Zoom, ensuring candidates receive guidance and support throughout.
The course takes one day to complete, and will cover a number of key health and safety principles, participate in interactive activities, and engage in discussions that will reinforce their understanding of workplace safety.
At the end of the course, candidates must pass two assessments in order to achieve their qualification. These include:
- A multiple-choice test that assesses their understanding of key health and safety concepts
- A hazard-spotting exercise where candidates identify common workplace risks
The course has a high pass rate, and free resits are available if you fail, so most learners successfully achieve their IOSH Working Safely certificate without much difficulty.
What Does the IOSH Working Safely Course Cover?
The course covers a wide range of essential health and safety topics, ensuring learners gain a practical understanding of workplace risks and how to manage them effectively. Some of the key areas covered include:
- The importance of workplace safety and employee responsibilities
- Identifying and controlling common workplace hazards
- Understanding risk assessment and how to apply it in real-life situations
- Improving overall safety performance and reducing workplace accidents
- The impact of health and safety on personal well-being and business success
The training is designed to be engaging and interactive, using real-world examples to help learners apply their knowledge effectively in their own working environments.
Is IOSH Working Safely the Same as IOSH Managing Safely?
If you’re familiar with the other IOSH course, IOSH Managing Safely, you might be wondering how it differs from IOSH Working Safely. While both courses are designed to improve workplace safety, they’re aimed at different levels of responsibility.
Working Safely is an entry-level course, intended for employees who need a basic understanding of workplace safety but who are not responsible for managing health and safety procedures. It provides essential knowledge on identifying risks, and contributing to an all-round safer working environment.
IOSH Managing Safely, on the other hand, is a more in-depth course designed for managers, supervisors, and team leaders who have a responsibility for overseeing health and safety in the workplace. It covers risk management in greater detail, ensuring those in leadership positions can effectively implement safety policies and procedures.
If you’re an employee looking for fundamental health and safety training, IOSH Working Safely is the right choice. But if you’re in a manager or a supervisor position, you’ll probably get more out of the IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
Why Is IOSH Working Safely So Important?
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility, and ensuring employees have the knowledge to identify and prevent risks is crucial in any industry. IOSH plays an essential role in improving workplace safety by equipping employees with the skills to recognise hazards, reduce accidents, and follow best practices.
Employers benefit from training their staff in IOSH Working Safely, as it helps create a safer work environment, reduces the likelihood of accidents, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. A well-trained workforce leads to fewer workplace injuries, improved productivity, and a more positive safety culture within the organisation.
For employees, the qualification provides a valuable credential that enhances their professional development. It demonstrates their commitment to workplace safety and can improve career prospects, especially in industries where health and safety awareness is a key requirement.
How Much Does the Course Cost?
At CST Training, the course is priced at £132 + VAT. This includes live training with an experienced tutor, access to interactive learning materials, and the official IOSH certificate upon successful completion of the course.
How IOSH Working Safely Helps to Build a Culture of Safety in Workplaces
IOSH Working Safely helps to foster a positive safety culture within organisations. By providing employees with the tools to identify hazards and act responsibly, the course encourages proactive behaviour towards workplace safety. When every team member understands their role in preventing accidents, it creates a shared commitment to maintaining a secure environment.
This collaborative approach not only reduces risks but also boosts morale. Employees feel more confident and valued when they know their employer is invested in their well-being. Over time, a strong safety culture leads to fewer incidents, higher productivity, and an overall sense of trust within the organisation.
Supporting Legal Compliance Through IOSH Working Safely
For businesses, complying with health and safety regulations is more than just a requirement; it’s a responsibility. The IOSH Working Safely course helps organisations meet their legal obligations by training employees on essential safety practices. This ensures that workplaces align with UK health and safety laws, like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
By equipping employees with the knowledge to identify and mitigate risks, the course minimises the chances of non-compliance. Avoiding legal penalties, protecting staff, and maintaining a good business reputation are just a few ways IOSH Working Safely supports organisations in meeting their statutory duties.
The Long-Term Benefits of IOSH
Completing the IOSH Working Safely course isn’t just about passing a test or receiving a certificate- it’s about making a lasting impact on workplace safety. The knowledge gained from the course helps employees develop a proactive approach to risk management, which will stay with them throughout their careers. Whether they continue in their current role or move on to new opportunities, the ability to identify hazards, assess risks, and contribute to a safer working environment is a valuable skillset.
For businesses, the long-term benefits of investing in IOSH Working Safely training go beyond compliance. Organisations that prioritise health and safety see reduced absenteeism, lower insurance costs, and improved employee satisfaction. A safer workplace fosters a more positive company culture, where employees feel valued and supported. This, in turn, leads to higher productivity, better staff retention, and a stronger reputation within the industry.
The course also provides an excellent foundation for further health and safety training. Employees who complete IOSH Working Safely may be inspired to progress to higher-level qualifications, such as IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH courses, opening up opportunities for career advancement in health and safety roles.
Conclusion
The IOSH Working Safely course is an essential qualification for anyone looking to improve workplace safety. It provides employees with the knowledge to identify hazards, assess risks, and contribute to a safer working environment. For businesses, it helps foster a strong safety culture, reduces accidents, and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.
With affordable pricing, flexible learning options, and long-term benefits for both individuals and organisations, IOSH Working Safely is sure to be a worthwhile investment. Enrol with CST Training today and take the first step towards creating a safer workplace.
If you still have any questions regarding IOSH, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
