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1. Module 1. Health and safety law and responsibilities

   This course gives workers and team leaders a solid understanding of health and safety in any workplace: the law, risk assessment and the main hazards.

   What you will learn

   • Describe the main health and safety laws in the UK.
   • Explain the duties of employers, employees and others.
   • Explain the costs of poor health and safety and how the law is enforced.

   Key points

   • Health and safety matters for moral, legal and financial reasons.
   • Employers and employees both have legal duties.
   • Most duties apply so far as is reasonably practicable.
   • Inspectors can serve notices and prosecute; penalties can be severe.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

2. Module 2. Risk assessment and safety management

   Risk assessment is how every workplace decides what could harm people and what to do about it.

   What you will learn

   • Follow the five steps of risk assessment.
   • Apply the hierarchy of control.
   • Explain safe systems of work, permits and consultation.

   Key points

   • Use the five steps and review regularly.
   • Use the hierarchy of control; PPE comes last.
   • Safe systems of work and permits control higher-risk tasks.
   • Consult workers and consider vulnerable groups.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

3. Module 3. The workplace: slips, trips, falls, welfare and DSE

   The workplace itself, its floors, stairs, lighting, temperature and facilities, affects everyone's safety and wellbeing.

   What you will learn

   • Prevent slips, trips and falls from height.
   • Describe welfare requirements.
   • Set up display screen workstations safely.

   Key points

   • Keep floors clean and clear, and report hazards.
   • Avoid, prevent, then minimise falls from height.
   • Welfare facilities are a legal requirement.
   • Set up DSE workstations correctly and take breaks.

   Based on: Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992; Work at Height Regulations 2005; Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992.

4. Module 4. Manual handling, work equipment and vehicles

   Moving loads, using machines and working around vehicles cause many serious injuries.

   What you will learn

   • Assess and carry out manual handling safely.
   • Use work equipment safely.
   • Stay safe around workplace vehicles.

   Key points

   • Avoid, assess (TILE) and reduce manual handling risks.
   • Only use equipment you are trained on; keep guards in place; isolate before cleaning.
   • Keep people and vehicles apart; wear hi-vis; only authorised drivers.

   Based on: Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998; Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (traffic routes).

5. Module 5. Hazardous substances, electricity, noise and vibration

   Some hazards cause harm slowly, over months or years. Others, like electricity, can kill instantly.

   What you will learn

   • Control hazardous substances.
   • Work safely with electricity.
   • Protect yourself from noise and vibration.

   Key points

   • Follow labels and SDSs; never mix chemicals; report symptoms.
   • Check electrical equipment; keep it dry; never touch a shock victim until the power is off.
   • Noise: hearing protection must be worn at 85 dB(A).
   • Vibration: limit exposure and report tingling or numbness.

   Based on: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002; Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005; Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

6. Module 6. Fire, first aid, accidents and wellbeing

   The final module covers emergencies, what happens after an accident, and looking after mental health at work.

   What you will learn

   • Prevent fires and follow the fire procedure.
   • Know the first aid arrangements.
   • Report and investigate accidents.
   • Recognise and manage work-related stress.

   Key points

   • Prevent fires; know the procedure; keep exits clear.
   • Know your first aiders and kit.
   • Report and investigate every accident and near miss.
   • Stress is a hazard: recognise the signs and speak up.

   Based on: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and equivalents in Scotland and Northern Ireland; Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981; RIDDOR 2013.

HygieneReady certificates confirm completion of training. They are not a regulated qualification. Definitions of the key terms are in the glossary.