An Accessible Starting Point for Health and Safety Training
Every employer has a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to provide whatever information, instruction and training is needed to keep employees safe — but not every member of staff needs a full management qualification. For team leaders, supervisors, HR staff and anyone with a basic health and safety responsibility, the NEBOSH Award in Health and Safety at Work offers an accessible, recognised starting point.
Who Is the NEBOSH Award For?
This one-day qualification is ideal for:
- New employees who need a grounding in health and safety responsibilities
- Team leaders and supervisors with day-to-day safety responsibilities
- HR staff who need to understand health and safety policy and procedure
- Anyone responsible for training or supervising young people or new starters
What Does the Course Cover?
The course gives a practical introduction to the basics of workplace health and safety, including:
- Why health and safety matters — legally, financially and morally
- How to recognise common hazards, including manual handling, electrical risks, fire and workplace transport
- The basics of risk assessment — identifying hazards and introducing control measures
- How safe systems of work help prevent accidents and ill health
How Is It Assessed?
Candidates are assessed using a multiple-choice question paper and a practical risk assessment exercise. Both elements must be passed to be awarded the certificate, and candidates need a reasonable standard of English to complete the assessments.
Where Can It Lead?
The NEBOSH Award is often used as a stepping stone towards further qualifications. Many employees who complete it go on to take the NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (renamed GNC1/GNC2 from February 2026) once they take on greater responsibility for health and safety in their organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the NEBOSH Award take?
The NEBOSH Award in Health and Safety at Work is typically delivered as a one-day course, including the assessments.
What's the difference between the NEBOSH Award and the NEBOSH General Certificate?
The Award is a one-day introduction covering the basics of health and safety. The General Certificate (GNC1/GNC2) is a much more in-depth qualification aimed at those with significant health and safety responsibility, typically requiring several days of study.
Is risk assessment training included?
Yes — the course introduces the basics of risk assessment, including how to identify hazards and put control measures in place, with a practical assessment to test this knowledge.