Understanding health and safety training requirements in the UK is essential for employers to meet legal obligations and create a safe working environment. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a duty on businesses to ensure their employees are properly informed and trained on workplace risks.

This article explores key health and safety legislation and the specific training employers must provide to remain compliant and safeguard their workforce.

Training as a Legal Requirement: The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers in the UK are legally responsible for the health, safety and welfare of their employees while at work. A critical component of this duty involves providing adequate health and safety information, training, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Legal Obligations

The Act mandates that employers must not only maintain a safe working environment but also actively educate their workforce on the risks associated with their roles. This includes ensuring that employees are:

• Informed about potential hazards in their workplace.
• Trained on the correct procedures and practices to mitigate these risks.
• Provided with appropriate PPE where necessary, ensuring it is properly maintained and used correctly.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to adhere to the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 is a criminal offence. Employers who neglect these responsibilities can face significant legal consequences, including fines and prosecution. More importantly, breaches of this Act can lead to severe accidents, injuries, or even fatalities, underscoring the critical importance of adhering to these legal requirements.

Creating a Safe Working Environment

To comply with the Act, employers must regularly assess workplace risks, update training programmes as necessary and make sure that all health and safety measures are effectively communicated and implemented. This method not only meets legal requirements but also encourages a culture of safety that benefits both employees and the organisation as a whole.

Major Health and Safety Regulations

1.Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA)

The Occupational Health and Safety Act is a piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in the UK. It sets out the general duties and responsibilities of employers towards employees and members of the public, as well as the duties employees have to themselves and each other.

2.Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

It requires employers to carry out risk assessments, arrange to implement necessary measures, appoint competent people, and arrange for appropriate information and training.

3.Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Addresses a broad spectrum of fundamental health, safety and welfare topics, including ventilation, heating, lighting, cleanliness and restroom facilities.

4.The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR)

It mandates that employers, self-employed individuals, and those in charge of premises report severe specific workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and designated dangerous occurrences (near misses).

5.Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)

Guarantees that equipment provided for work is appropriate, safe, well-maintained and utilised only by individuals who have received sufficient information, instruction and training.

6.Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (PPE)

Obligates employers to supply suitable personal protective equipment to employees when health and safety risks cannot be effectively managed through other means.

7.Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

Mandates that employers manage substances hazardous to health, such as chemicals, dust, fumes and biological agents, to prevent health issues.

8.Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

Requires employers to avoid hazardous manual handling tasks where possible and assess those that cannot be avoided. Employees must also be adequately trained in safe lifting techniques.

9.Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Measures must be implemented to assess the risk of death or injury from electricity during work activities.

10.Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012

It places duties on employers to manage the risk from asbestos on non-domestic premises, including carrying out risk assessments and ensuring safe removal when necessary.

11.Fire Safety Order 2005 (Regulatory Reform)

Mandates that responsible individuals in workplaces and other external locations perform a fire risk assessment and implement necessary fire safety measures.

12.Confined Spaces Regulations 1997

Sets out the requirements for working safely in confined spaces, including risk assessment, emergency procedures, and proper training.

13.Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992

It focuses on the health of employees who use display screen equipment (DSE), such as computers, by requiring employers to assess and reduce risks, provide breaks, and offer eye tests.

14.Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)

Lifting equipment must be strong, stable, positioned, and installed to prevent injury, and it must be subject to regular inspection and maintenance.

15.Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

This mandates employers to assess and manage the workplace’s noise risks, providing hearing protection and information to workers where necessary.

16.Working at Height Regulations 2005

Employers are obliged to ensure that work at height is effectively planned, supervised, and performed by qualified individuals using appropriate equipment to prevent falls.

Training You May Be Required to Provide

To adhere to the various health and safety regulations in the UK, employers are obligated to provide specific training that corresponds to the risks and hazards identified in their workplaces. Below is an outline of training types required under the legislation mentioned:

1. General Health and Safety Training: Every employee must receive general health and safety training as required by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. This includes awareness of workplace hazards, safety procedures, and their responsibilities.
2. Risk Assessment Training: Employers must ensure that employees tasked with conducting risk assessments are trained to recognise hazards, assess risks and implement suitable control measures.
3. Workplace Safety: Training related to maintaining essential health, safety, and welfare standards, covering areas such as proper ventilation, cleanliness, and ergonomic workstation setup.
4. Fire-Stopping Training: A fire stopping course provides workers with essential knowledge about relevant regulations and inspection procedures. This understanding enables responsible individuals to effectively select, install and maintain fire-stopping systems in compliance with legislation.
5. Incident Reporting: Employees must be trained on how to properly report injuries, dangerous occurrences, or diseases that occur at work, as outlined in the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.
6. Equipment Safety Training: Staff must receive thorough training on the safe use of any work equipment, including instruction on maintenance and risk prevention strategies.
7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training: Employers must train employees on the correct use of PPE, ensuring they understand when and how to use the equipment and the importance of maintenance.
8. COSHH Training: Training on handling hazardous substances is mandatory. Employees must know how to safely store, use, and dispose of hazardous materials to prevent health issues.
9. Manual Handling Training: To decrease the risk of injury, employees must receive instruction on safe lifting techniques and how to avoid hazardous manual handling activities.
10. Electrical Safety Training: Employees who work with or around electrical systems must be trained on the risks of electricity and how to take precautions against injury.
11. Asbestos Awareness Training: Where applicable, employees must be provided with asbestos awareness training to identify the risks associated with asbestos and how to manage cases of exposure.
12. Confined Spaces Training: Workers who need to enter confined spaces must receive specific training to assess risks, implement safety measures, and perform emergency rescue operations if necessary.
13. Display Screen Equipment Training: Workers who use computers or other display screen equipment must be trained to reduce risks such as eye strain and musculoskeletal issues.
14. Lifting Operations Training: Employees involved in lifting operations must be trained in the safe use of lifting equipment, including inspections and maintenance, to ensure stability and safety.
15. Noise Control Training: Employers must provide training on noise risks in the workplace and instruct employees on the correct use of hearing protection and noise control measures.
16. Working at Height Training: Employees required to work at height must be trained on the safe use of access equipment, fall prevention techniques, and emergency procedures.