SAFETY TRAINING - 12.01.2018

A new pragmatic safety training option?

What is it?

In November 2017 the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) launched the NCFE IOSH Level 3 Certificate in Safety and Health for Business (see The next step ).

It’s different from previous safety certification routes because it has an emphasis on business needs. IOSH claims that “No other safety and health qualification offers both a business and a technical focus” and that it “addresses current issues demanded by employers”.

IOSH says that it has achieved this by collaborating with NCFE, a further education organisation with an extensive range of general and vocational qualifications.

What’s behind it?

This appears to be a response to a well-understood problem in the health and safety profession - that some practitioners are out of touch with business needs. Safety advisors often find it difficult to bridge the gap between what the books say and what can be achieved in practice. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but maybe IOSH has hit on something here? In other words, the need for more business focus at the very start of the safety advisor’s training path.

What’s covered?

Delegates will learn about current issues including how to bring about a change in health and safety culture, how to manage uncertainty, and adapting to major trends and movements which can affect safety in the workplace.

The course involves 60 hours of teaching contact time, plus about the same again on project work. Each of the three units is assessed via project work which should be useful to the business where the delegate works. For example, they will research the health and safety culture of an organisation and develop a briefing for senior management.

How can you access the course?

To take the certificate you must have completed the IOSH Managing Safely course or a refresher within the last three years.

At the time of the launch there were no training organisations offering the course - it wasn’t even listed on the IOSH course calendar - and the costs are yet to be published. If you’re interested, check out the course specification to see if it’s worth waiting for.

Note. Bear in mind that anyone offering the course in 2018 will be finding their feet. If you’re looking for certainty you may be better to choose an established course such as the NEBOSH general certificate.

Is it worth considering?

With IOSH behind it, the course has credibility. It’s also expected to be less expensive than equivalent qualifications and may appeal to those who prefer to be assessed via coursework rather than exams.

For a copy of the IOSH Safety and Health for Business brochure, visit http://tipsandadvice-healthandsafety.co.uk/download (HS 16.09.03).