Training
- Who needs training?
- What should the training cover?
- Who should deliver the training?
- Should I keep a training record?
- When should I review the training?
- When should I give refresher training?
- What training should I give young workers or migrant workers?
- Where can I get more advice on training?
Who needs training?
As an employer you need to make sure that all your staff are trained well enough to be able to work safely.
If you use supervisors or managers to deliver in-house training, they should be experienced and competent in the type of work or operation on which the training is to be given and they may need additional training in the specific hazards of the processes and how you expect the risks to be controlled.
As an employer or a self employed person, will need to keep yourself up to date with how to identify the hazards and control the risks arising from your work. You will also need to know about consulting employees or their representatives on health and safety issues. These may be areas where you could benefit from some training.
What should the training cover?
All employees should be given induction training when they first start work. This should cover basic health and safety procedures including the arrangements for first aid, fire, evacuation and any company rules.
You should identify the skills and knowledge needed for people to carry out their work safely and compare these against people’s current skills and knowledge and identify the gaps.
Your risk assessments and your accident book will also help you to identify areas where further training is required.
Who should deliver the training?
Much of the training required for standard work processes within your business can be carried out ‘in-house’ using experienced workers, but you must make sure that the designated trainers are clear about what you expect them to cover in terms of health and safety and how you expect them to deliver the training. .
Certain training, such as forklift truck driver, first aid or scaffolder training can only be given by external training providers.
Should I keep a training record?
Although not compulsory, it is a good idea to get employees to sign off on the training they have received and to keep these records within your health and safety documentation. The records should also indicate the content and duration of the training.
When should I review training needs?
You should review the training needs of your employees if work processes change, new work equipment is introduced or if an employee is moved to a different part of the business and provide more training if it is needed.
When should I give refresher training?
If employees are not using their skills regularly their competence will decline. To avoid this, periodic refresher training should be given. For certain skills, refresher training is compulsory. First aiders for example must attend refresher training every 3 years for their training certificate to remain valid.
What about training for young people or migrant workers?
Young people are a vulnerable group and they will require extra training and close supervision. Their specific needs will be highlighted in your young persons risk assessment.
Migrant workers are another vulnerable group which should be given careful consideration and you will need to satisfy yourself that they have understood any training that they have been given. Pictures and diagrams may be useful in helping to deliver training messages. You may also need to make use of a translation service.
Where can I get more advice on training?
For more information and advice on training please Contact Us
