What Is Good Occupational Safety and Health?

Occupational safety and health (OSH) should be a top priority for all employers. Not only is it a legal requirement to provide a safe working environment for employees, but it also ensures that the business can operate efficiently and effectively.

In order to achieve a good OSH culture and working environment, employers should take a proactive approach to health and safety and invest in relevant training courses and programmes.

What Does a Good OSH Culture and Working Environment Look Like?

Firstly, it should be a collaborative effort between employers and employees. Employers should be open and transparent about their OSH policies and encourage employees to report any hazards or risks they identify. Employees should feel comfortable raising concerns and have confidence that their concerns will be addressed in a timely manner.

Secondly, a good OSH culture should be proactive rather than reactive. Employers should regularly review and update their OSH policies and procedures to ensure that they are relevant and effective. This includes conducting regular risk assessments and providing appropriate training to employees.

Finally, a good OSH working environment should be integrated into the wider business strategy. OSH should not be viewed as a box-ticking exercise, but rather as a key component of the business's success.

By promoting a safe and healthy working environment, businesses can increase employee morale and productivity, reduce absenteeism and staff turnover, and ultimately improve their bottom line.

Training Courses That Promote Good OSH

• NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health)
• IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health)
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

NEBOSH

One popular training option for OSH is the NEBOSH range of certificate and diploma courses. These courses provide a comprehensive overview of health and safety regulations and cover topics such as fire safety, hazard identification, and risk assessment.

By completing a NEBOSH course, employees can become proficient in their understanding of OSH regulations and help to create a safer working environment.

There are 3 different types of NEBOSH courses; these are:

·        Award – the starting level of NEBOSH training, these are aimed at those who wish to understand health and safety principles within their role.

·        Certificate – the most popular, these include both national and international options. An excellent foundation for managers, supervisors and those who wish to move into these roles.

·        Diploma – for those who need higher level professional qualifications.

Distance learning courses are also available.

IOSH

Another training scheme that promotes good OSH is the IOSH range of courses. IOSH offers a range of courses aimed at employees at all levels, from entry-level staff to senior management.

By completing an IOSH course, employees can develop their skills and knowledge in OSH, ensuring that they can identify and manage risks effectively.

The most popular IOSH courses include:

·        Managing Safely - This course is aimed at managers who have day to day responsibilities in their area of control.

·        Working Safely - This course is not intended to make workers into health and safety experts, but to give them a firm grounding in the essentials of health and safety in the workplace.

·        Leading Safely – aimed at anyone in a leadership or senior management role.

COSHH

COSHH training is also an important element of OSH. This training covers the safe use and handling of hazardous substances in the workplace, helping employees to avoid accidents and injuries.

By completing a COSHH training course, employees can learn about the risks associated with handling hazardous substances and the appropriate measures that should be taken to mitigate these risks.

In conclusion, good OSH is essential for any business that wants to operate effectively and efficiently. Employers should take a proactive approach to OSH and invest in relevant training courses and schemes such as NEBOSH, IOSH, and COSHH. By promoting a collaborative, proactive, and integrated approach to OSH, businesses can create a safer and healthier working environment for their employees and ultimately improve their bottom line.