Learning objectives:

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• Understand the principles of workplace health and safety
• Recognise hazards and risks
• Understand legal responsibilities
• Apply safe systems of work
• Promote health and safety culture in the workplace.

Module 1: introduction to health and safety:

• Importance of health and safety at work
• Key statistics (accidents, injuries, and ill health)
• Legal framework (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974)
• Employer and employee responsibilities
• Role of Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Module 2: workplace Hazards and Risk Control:

• Identifying hazards: types and sources:
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Manual handling
• Fire hazards
• Electrical hazards
• Work equipment
• Hazardous substances (COSHH)
• Ergonomics and display screen equipment (DSE).
• Control measures and hierarchy of control
• Safe systems of work.

Module 3: risk assessment:

• Purpose of risk assessments
• The five steps of risk assessment:
• Identify hazards
• Decide who might be harmed and how
• Evaluate risks and decide on control measures
• Record findings
• Review and update assessments.
• Practical examples.

Module 4: health and safety procedures:

• Incident reporting (RIDDOR)
• First aid provision
• Fire safety and emergency procedures
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Workplace welfare facilities.

Module 5: promoting a positive health and safety culture:

• Importance of communication and training
• Role of supervisors and managers
• Employee participation and consultation
• Overcoming barriers to good health and safety practice.

Module 6: review and preparation for assessment:

• Recap of key learning points
• Q&A session
• Assessment guidance.

Assessment:

• Multiple-choice test (typically 20-30 questions)
• Pass mark usually 70% or as set by the awarding body.

Certification:

• FAA Level 2 award in Health and Safety in the Workplace (valid for 3 years).

Target Audience

The course is designed to meet the basic health & safety needs of staff, contractors, and volunteers working across the social housing, supported housing, private rented, and property management sectors.

Frontline Housing Staff:

• Housing Officers
• Tenancy Support Workers
• Neighbourhood Officers
• Estate Officers
• Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Officers
• Lettings Officers
• Resident Liaison Officers.

These roles often involve:

• Regular tenant visits
• Lone working
• Site inspections
• Exposure to property-related risks.

Maintenance and Property Services Staff:

• Maintenance Operatives
• Voids Officers
• Repairs Coordinators
• Property Inspectors / Surveyors
• Contractors and subcontractors working on repairs or maintenance
• Grounds maintenance teams.

These roles may encounter:

• Manual handling
• Working at height
• Asbestos awareness
• Tool and equipment safety
• Slips, trips and falls risks in properties.

Office-Based and Remote Staff:

• Customer Service Advisors
• Finance, HR, IT staff
• Admin and business support staff.

They may face:

• Display Screen Equipment (DSE) issues
• Fire safety procedures
• First aid and evacuation awareness.

Managers and Supervisors:

• Team Leaders
• Repairs Supervisors
• Health and Safety Coordinators
• Scheme Managers / Retirement Living Managers.

They Require:

• Basic understanding of legal responsibilities
• Supporting safe working practices of their teams
• Contributing to risk assessments and safety culture.

Volunteers and Tenant Representatives:

• Resident Scrutiny Panel Members
• Volunteers supporting community initiatives.

They will benefit from:

• Awareness of safe practices during meetings, events, and community work
• Understanding personal responsibilities for health and safety.