What safety training is needed in my business?

The HSE publication ‘Health and safety made simple - The basics for your business’ states that ‘Everyone who works for you needs to know how to work safely and without risks to health. You must provide clear instructions and information, and adequate training, for your employees.’

To begin with, all employees should be given an induction which includes familiarisation of the workplace. Ideally, it should at least cover the following:

Company H&S Policy – explain the relevant parts of the company health & safety policy so that employees understand their health & safety obligations and also advise them to whom they need to report health & safety issues.

General Conduct – describe the workplace set up including any prohibited areas, equipment and/or machinery. Show employees the welfare facilities (toilets, canteen area, etc.).

Fire Safety and First Aid – explain the company procedure in the event of a fire or similar event requiring an evacuation of the premises plus evacuation routes and fire exits, including alternate routes, and where the assembly point is. Explain where the first aid kit is located and the who to see in the event of an accident or injury.

Workplace Risks – ensure employees are made aware of the significant hazards associated with their job and be shown where relevant risk assessments are located. The assessments will show what safety equipment is required such as safety goggles, gloves, footwear, etc. and, if they are required, make sure employees are shown how to use, store and look after it properly.

Each job role will require a different set of skills. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that employees are suitably trained for the tasks they are employed to do. Risk assessments will help identify areas where training is required.

As already stated, employers need to provide clear instructions and information. An example of this would be a product user manual but where there isn’t one or it is for a process instead of equipment then instructions and information will need to be produced. These are sometimes called standard operating or safe working procedures.

Any training provided should be recorded as it is your evidence that you have provided employees with adequate training.

The main point is to ensure the health and safety at work of each employee by providing them with information, instruction, training and supervision. Keeping good records will help protect your company in the event of an incident caused by employee error.

For more information on training requirements and how to keep your employees safe, call Steve on 0844 8797286.

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