Not Sure Where to Start? Begin Here
If you're putting together a health and safety training plan for the first time, it can be hard to know where to begin — especially with so many courses, awarding bodies and qualification levels to choose from. Here are three accessible e-learning courses that cover the most common starting points for UK workplaces, whatever industry you're in.
1. IOSH Working Safely — For Every Employee
IOSH Working Safely gives every employee — regardless of role — a foundation in workplace health and safety. It's a popular choice for induction programmes and for staff who've never had formal training before, and can be completed via e-learning over a maximum of six months, though most learners finish much sooner.
2. IOSH Managing Safely — For Supervisors and Managers
For anyone with responsibility for other people's safety, IOSH Managing Safely goes a step further — covering risk assessment, control measures, and how to investigate incidents and improve performance over time. It includes a practical workplace-based assessment, so the learning has an immediate, real-world application.
3. Level 1 Food Safety in Catering — For Hospitality Roles
Level 1 Food Safety in Catering is an ideal induction course for anyone new to food handling, including front-of-house staff, kitchen porters, and warehouse staff working with low-risk or wrapped foods. It covers food safety legislation, hazards from delivery to service, risk control, and the basics of pests, premises and people.
Building a Training Plan Around These Courses
A simple approach many employers use is:
- All staff complete a general awareness course such as IOSH Working Safely
- Anyone with supervisory responsibility adds IOSH Managing Safely
- Staff working with food complete the appropriate level of food hygiene training
- Role-specific training (manual handling, working at height, fire safety, etc.) is added based on your risk assessments
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all employees need IOSH Working Safely?
It's not a strict legal requirement to use this specific course, but it's a widely recognised way to demonstrate that employees have received general health and safety awareness training, as required under UK health and safety law.
Can these courses be completed alongside normal work?
Yes — all three are available as e-learning, allowing staff to complete the training in stages around their normal working hours rather than needing a full day away from the business.
What should come after these starter courses?
It depends on the role. Managers often progress to the NEBOSH General Certificate, while staff in food roles may need Level 2 or Level 3 food hygiene training as their responsibilities grow.