Health and Safety Courses

Depending on the size of the organisation the job of an occupational health and safety expert could be a full-time role, or a part-time duty alongside their regular role.

Occupational health and safety experts play a critical role in preserving employee well-being in the workplace. They are responsible for designing, implementing, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, policies and procedures. 

In terms of day-to-day responsibilities, they conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and develop appropriate measures to control or mitigate them. They also provide safety training and support to employees to enhance their safety awareness and ensure they have the skills and knowledge to carry out their jobs safely.

They are also responsible for investigating accidents and incidents to determine their underlying causes and recommend corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence. Additionally, it's their responsibility to monitor the workplace to identify any emerging occupational health and safety issues and take timely measures to address them. 

Moreover, these professionals also play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with government regulations, as well as industry standards and best practices. This includes advising management on the latest health and safety developments and trends, as well as carrying out periodic workplace audits to check for compliance. 

Overall, the role of occupational health and safety experts is of utmost importance in ensuring the safety and well-being of employees in the workplace. Without their expertise and diligent efforts, many workplaces would be vulnerable to numerous risks and hazards that could negatively impact both employees and organisations.

A career in occupational health and safety can be highly rewarding, both in terms of job satisfaction and tangible outputs. With a focus on ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of employees, as well as compliance with regulations and laws, occupational health and safety experts play a crucial role in keeping workplaces safe and secure.

Here are some of the key benefits of becoming a health and safety professional:

In 2022, UK workplace injuries remained a major concern for employees and employers alike. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), approximately 693,000 injuries were reported in the workplace between 2021 and 2022. This accounts for a staggering 1.7 million working days lost due to workplace injuries and cost employers an estimated £15 billion in injury-related costs.

As a consequence, the demand for health and safety professionals is on the rise. In a recent report published by NEBOSH, job opportunities in health and safety are expected to increase by 6.8% in the UK by 2026, creating over 14,000 new job roles.

By undertaking an occupational health and safety course, individuals will not only gain an understanding of their legal obligations but also learn how to identify and address potential mental and physical health hazards in the workplace. This is especially important as workplaces become more diverse in terms of workforce age, ethnicity and culture.

As a result, health and safety professionals with knowledge and expertise in both physical and mental health are becoming increasingly valuable assets to employers.

Health and safety is a vital aspect of any organisation, and as such, there are many career paths available for individuals who have a keen interest in this field.

Whether you looking to add health and safety as a bolt-on to your full-time role or are employed full-time in a health and safety role, there are numerous opportunities available to you.

If you are looking to add health and safety to your current full-time role, you can start by enrolling in an accredited IOSH or NEBOSH health and safety course to gain the necessary knowledge and qualifications. This safety training will enable you to become the go-to person in your organisation for health and safety-related issues, allowing you to take on additional responsibilities and potentially progress in your career.

On the other hand, if you are already employed full-time in a health and safety role for your organisation, there are many opportunities for career progression within this field. For example, you may be able to move into a higher-level position, such as a health and safety manager or director, where you will be responsible for overseeing and implementing health and safety policies and procedures across the entire organisation.

Alternatively, you could get a safety certificate and specialise in specific areas of health and safety such as:

Asbestos awareness

This is a specialised area of health and safety because of the hazards associated with exposure to asbestos fibres. Workers who may come into contact with asbestos need specific training to identify different types of asbestos and understand the risks.

Manual handling

Manual handling teaches you about handling of heavy items safely and to avoid injuries. It's a crucial skill for employees working in warehouses, manufacturing, and construction sites.

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) knowledge is vital, particularly if employees use computers, laptops, or other devices for extended periods.

Fire safety awareness

Fire safety awareness allows individuals to learn how to reduce risks associated with fire hazards and deal with fire outbreaks safely.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is how to recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, which is crucial when working with vulnerable people, such as children or those with disabilities.

Additionally, there are many other career paths available within the health and safety industry, such as working for a regulatory body, consulting firm or as a freelance health and safety consultant. These roles offer the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients across a variety of industries and locations, providing you with a challenging and rewarding career.

Regardless of the career path you choose, possessing health and safety expertise and qualifications is essential for success in this field.

By enrolling in any one of e-Careers accredited online health and safety courses, enables you to gain the necessary knowledge and qualifications to pursue a career in this exciting and rewarding industry.

So why not invest in your future today and start your journey towards a career in health and safety?

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  IOSH Working Safely course

  The IOSH Working Safely course is designed to provide a basic understanding of health and safety practices in the workplace. This course is perfect for employees at all levels, and it can help you identify and control workplace hazards effectively. By completing this course, you'll gain an internationally recognised qualification that can demonstrate your commitment to safety in the workplace.

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  IOSH Managing Safely course

  The IOSH Managing Safely course, is aimed at managers and supervisors. This course covers everything you need to know to manage health and safety effectively within your team. You'll learn how to assess and control risks in the workplace, as well as how to investigate and report accidents and incidents. By completing this course, you'll have the knowledge and skills required to confidently manage health and safety within your team and within your organisation.

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  NEBOSH National General Certificate

  The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. This popular health and safety training course provides a more in-depth understanding of health and safety practices and covers a wide range of topics including fire safety, hazard identification and risk assessment. By completing this course, you'll gain a widely recognised qualification that can significantly enhance your career prospects within the occupational health and safety field.

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  NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate

  The NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate which focuses on environmental sustainability and managing environmental risks. This course is perfect for individuals who want to develop their understanding of environmental management within the workplace. You'll learn about the legal requirements surrounding environmental management and how to minimise environmental risks.