Training

One of the essentials in any safe system of work which uses human endeavour is training. In modern industry there is now an acceptance that all employees must be trained before commencing work.

The legal requirement to train has its basis in Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. It requires the employer to provide all necessary information, instruction, training and supervision.

Most of the many daughter regulations are framed in a similar manner to one another; they require the employer to consider the risks associated with his work, equipment and substances, and to put into place suitable control measures. When specifying these control measures, a significant factor is training. Trial-and-error is not an acceptable way to learn in the modern world. No–one can be expected to work safely or efficiently without being shown the safe, correct way to undertake a job.

All sectors of industry having accepted this principle, most now have tailor-made training schemes for people entering employment in them.

Equally, it is not acceptable to train an employee to a job and then to let that person work on without ever checking on his-or-her success in applying what they have learned. Regular checking of competence to do a job is almost as important as the initial training. As a result, re-training to cover weaknesses is another essential component of present-day employment practice.

Training is part of every safety management system. Fox~Robinson practitioners can help you to identify your training needs and assist you in finding the correct course providers. We also carry out health and safety training in-house for specific topics.