If you’re here, you’re probably wondering which IOSH course is right for you. Choosing the right IOSH course depends on your job role, experience level, and career goals.
TL;DR – Which IOSH course is right for you?
- IOSH Working Safely: Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a solid introduction to workplace safety.
- IOSH Managing Safely: Best for managers, supervisors, or team leaders who oversee safety. This four-day course helps you manage risks, improve safety practices, and meet legal requirements.
- IOSH Directing Safely: For senior executives who need to understand how health and safety fits into the bigger business picture.
- IOSH Managing Safely Refresher: If you’ve already taken Managing Safely in the last 3 years and need a quick update or keep your knowledge current.
- Specialized IOSH Courses: For those in specific industries like construction, environmental management, or aviation.
In the following sections, I’ll explain each course in more detail, including who should take them and how they can benefit you in the workplace.
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Types of IOSH Courses
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is the world’s leading body for health and safety professionals. It provides a range of courses that equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to keep workplaces safe.
IOSH courses can be categorized into two main groups:
- General IOSH courses: These courses are suitable for various job roles and provide a solid foundation for understanding health and safety at work. The general IOSH courses are split into three levels: Working Safely, Managing Safely, and Directing Safely.
- Specialized IOSH Courses: Targeted towards specific sectors like construction, environmental management, or aviation.
1. IOSH Working Safely
Best for: Employees at any level who need basic health and safety training.
If you’re just starting out, IOSH Working Safely is a great introduction. This one-day course focuses on the basics—identifying hazards, reporting accidents, and understanding safety practices. It’s course is short, practical, and to the point— valuable for workers across all industries.
What you’ll learn:
- Spotting workplace hazards before they become problems (e.g., slips, trips, and falls)
- Basic safety awareness, like how to handle chemicals, noise, and more
- Emergency procedure basics
Assessment: Participants are evaluated through a multiple-choice test and a practical hazard perception exercise. Upon completion, you receive an IOSH Working Safely certificate.
Why Choose This Course?
If you’re just starting out or need to brush up on the basics, this is perfect. After all, everyone, from office workers to warehouse employees, can benefit from learning how to stay safe. And it’s only one day—easy to fit into a busy schedule!
2. IOSH Managing Safely
Best for: Managers, supervisors, and team leaders responsible for overseeing workplace health and safety.
If you’re a manager or supervisor, IOSH Managing Safely is the next step. It’s a three-day program that teaches you how to identify and manage risks, investigate accidents, and promote a culture of safety across your team.
Course highlights:
- How to assess risks and put control measures in place.
- Understanding health and safety laws, and your responsibilities as a manager.
- Investigating accidents and conducting safety audits.
Assessment:
The course includes a 45-minute written exam and a practical project where participants apply their learning to a real workplace scenario. Upon passing, you’ll receive the IOSH Managing Safely certificate.
Why choose this course?
This course will give you the confidence and skills to manage health and safety effectively. I’ve worked with countless managers who’ve taken this course and found that it helped them create a safer, more productive work environment—and it also lowered insurance costs.
3. IOSH Directing Safely
Best for: Senior executives and directors.
As a senior executive, your decisions have a massive impact on your company’s health and safety culture. The IOSH Directing Safely is a one-day course designed specifically for senior leaders who need to understand the broader strategic aspects of health and safety.
Course Highlights:
- The role of directors in promoting health and safety.
- Legal responsibilities and penalties.
- Communicating safety across the organization.
Assessment: This course is assessed through a short exam, and successful participants receive the IOSH Directing Safely certificate.
Why Choose This Course?
If you’re in a position where you need to make big decisions that affect your entire workforce, this course gives you the strategic knowledge to make informed decisions. It’s not just about meeting the legal minimum; it’s about integrating safety into your company’s overall strategy.
4. IOSH Managing Safely Refresher
Best For: Anyone who’s already taken IOSH Managing Safely and wants to stay current.
Let’s say you’ve already completed IOSH Managing Safely, but it’s been a few years. The Refresher course ensures you stay up to date with any changes in health and safety laws and practices. It’s a one-day course that revisits key management principles and updates you on any new developments in the field.
Course Highlights:
- Updates on current health and safety laws.
- Refreshing your knowledge of risk management and safety practices.
- Practical strategies for maintaining safety standards.
Assessment: A short written exam is administered at the end of the course.
Why choose this course?
If you’ve done IOSH Managing Safely in the past three years, this is an easy way to refresh your knowledge. You’ll feel more confident in your ability to manage safety in your team, and you’ll be up to date with the latest legislation.
Specialized IOSH Courses
Best for: Professionals in niche or high-risk industries.
At times, the general courses don’t cut it. If you’re working in construction, environmental management, or aviation, you’ll benefit from Specialized IOSH Courses that focus on the unique risks within your industry.
Whether it’s IOSH Managing Safely in Construction or IOSH Managing Environmental Responsibilities, these courses provide the in-depth knowledge needed to handle sector-specific safety challenges.
Why choose these courses?
These courses focus on industries with more specific safety risks. So, if you work in a specialized area, you’ll gain the targeted knowledge needed to keep your workplace safe.
So, which IOSH course is right for you?
Ready to take your IOSH course?
Your safety journey starts here. Whether you’re looking to boost your career, protect your team, or simply become more aware, there’s an IOSH course for you.
At TrainInHealthandSafety.com, we offer a range of IOSH courses, and I’d love to help you find the right fit. Ready to get started?
Book your course with us today. I’m Sam, and I’ll guide you through every step till you get certified.
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