Why is IOSH important?

Last year, workplace injury cost the UK economy £14billion, what we don't know is how many of these injuries could have been prevented through the correct training, such as an IOSH course.

Whatever industry you work in, health and safety is vital in the workplace. There is always going to be a hazard or risk available. Even in an office which many would consider safe, there is the risk of electric shocks, slips and falls which shows how important it is to be aware of the risks. Whilst some injuries occur by pure accident, the majority could have been prevented. A piece of paper which wasn't picked up, a spill which wasn't cleaned are all simple hazards which can be prevented in the workplace.

An employer has a duty to protect their employees and inform them of any risks to health and safety they may face. They also have a legal obligation to carry out risk assessments on a regular basis and report all workplace injuries. Once an employee has been advised of these risks, it is down to them to ensure they keep themselves and other employees safe by following workplace health and safety rules set out by the employer and reporting any new risks.

IOSH courses are available to delegates of any levels, although those in a more senior role are able to take a more detailed course. The Government has laid out the minimum health and safety guidelines which all employers must follow when training their employees. This includes identifying health and safety risks, who holds what responsibility and required training within the sector they work in. Whilst health and safety training can be done in house, if it doesn't meet the minimum Government requirements, the organisation will be liable should any accidents occur.

IOSH Working Safely is a one day course aimed at all employees of any level and sector. It provides a basic understanding in the essentials of health and safety. The course covers defining hazards and risks within the workplace, how to improve safety and how to protect the environment. This course meets the Governments guidelines for introductory workplace health and safety training. By ensuring all employees are trained to the IOSH Working Safely standard, you can be assured they have the correct training required.

There are four different levels of IOSH courses, IOSH Working Safely, IOSH Managing Safely, IOSH Directing Safely, IOSH Safety For Senior Execs. depending on your level within the company. IOSH is vitally important in providing effective and appropriate training to all people in the workplace.