The Importance Of Good Health And Safety Training For Businesses
Keeping staff trained and aware of the latest health and safety best practices should be company policy for all reputable employers.
Training comes in a multitude of forms these days, but one of the most vital types that any business can invest in is health and safety training. Empowering your staff to be able to cope with situations that could make a difference to someone’s life in the form of first aid or simply preventative measures such as lifting and handling, show that you are an employer that takes their wellbeing seriously.
Which Employees Need Training?
As a responsible business owner it is your duty to ensure that all of your staff are given the knowledge necessary to be able to carry out their work in a safe fashion. Providing them with adequate training will make certain that this is the case. It’ll also give you peace of mind, knowing that you have done all that you can to enable them to work safely.
What Sort Of Training Should Be Given?
The type of training that you offer your employees will largely depend upon the sector you are in and the type of work that your staff are expected to carry out during their daily activities. If, for example, your business is part of the construction sector, then your employees may benefit from training courses such as ladder safety or asbestos awareness.
More general training can be given, regardless of the type of work that your company carries out. First aid is one of the most important life skills that any person can learn, and to have a workforce that is both competent and confident in administering first aid will go a long way towards ensuring that your staff are safe whilst working for you.
Other courses such as lifting and handling can bring preventative benefits to your workers, helping them avoid injury and allowing your business to cut down the amount of sick days they possibly may take. This is both good for your company’s bottom line and the welfare of your staff.
Who Should Handle The Training?
Whenever you are working with important training courses, such as the ones mentioned above, it is vital that you deal with professionals who are equipped to teach your staff both efficiently and effectively. Opting to use a reputable health and safety training provider will make sure that your workers are getting the correct and most current information available.
Should you have supervisors or managerial staff in your workforce, they can be recruited to deliver in-house training after they have been sufficiently trained themselves. However, it is absolutely vital to remember that these members of staff are kept up to date with the latest advancements and best practices pertaining to whatever health and safety training they are asked to deliver.
Are Refresher Courses A Good Idea?
Sending staff members on refresher courses can certainly be beneficial, especially if they are not using the skills on a regular basis. Periodic refresher training will allow them to remain confident and competent, and it will also bring them up to date with any new advancements that may have been made in the particular field that they are studying.
All in all, providing high quality health and safety training for your workforce should be part and parcel of being a responsible business owner. Ensuring that your staff are up to date with the latest techniques and knowledge will keep your workforce safe and healthy whilst they work for you and your business.
Glen Hughes is the director of Zero Harm Training, who provide safety & environmental training courses across the UK and internationally.