Day 1: Introduction, legislation and responsibilities

1.1 Introduction to health and safety:

• The importance of health and safety
• The moral, legal and financial reasons for good health and safety practices
• Consequences of poor health and safety management.

1.2 Legal framework:

• Key legislation (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974)
• The role of enforcing agencies (HSE, local authorities)
• Employee and employer responsibilities
• Approved Codes of Practice (ACoPs) and guidance notes.

1.3 Management of health and safety:

• Health and Safety Management Systems (HSG65)
• Policy, organisation, planning, measuring, auditing and reviewing
• Roles of supervisors and managers.

1.4 Communication and consultation:

• Methods of communicating health and safety information
• Consultation with employees
• Role of safety representatives and committees.

Day 2: Risk assessment, hazards and controls

2.1 Risk assessment process:

• Principles of risk assessment (5 steps)
• Identifying hazards
• Evaluating risks and implementing controls
• Recording findings and reviewing assessments.

2.2 Workplace hazards and controls:

• Common workplace hazards
• Slips, trips and falls
• Manual handling
• Work at height
• Fire safety
• Electrical safety
• Hazardous substances (COSHH)
• Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
• Hierarchy of control measures
• Safe systems of work (SSOW) and permits to work.

2.3 Accident investigation and reporting:

• Accident causation theories (e.g. Domino Theory)
• Reporting and investigation procedures
• RIDDOR reporting requirements.

Day 3: Health and welfare, safety culture and emergency procedures

3.1 Occupational health and welfare:

• Health surveillance
• Stress and mental wellbeing
• Welfare provisions at work
• Noise and vibration hazards
• Ergonomics.

3.2 Developing a positive safety culture:

• Leadership and commitment
• Employee engagement
• Behavioural safety
• Continuous improvement.

3.3 Emergency procedures:

• Fire safety procedures
• Evacuation procedures
• First aid requirements
• Incident response plans.

3.4 Course review and exam preparation:

• Revision of key topics
• Sample questions
• Q&A session.

3.5 Formal assessment:

• Multiple-choice exam
• Practical assessments (if applicable).

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, delegates will:

• Understand their legal responsibilities for health and safety
• Be able to conduct effective risk assessments
• Know how to implement control measures
• Understand how to promote a positive safety culture
• Be equipped to respond to health and safety incidents effectively.

Certification

On successful completion, delegates will receive the FAA Level 3 award in health and safety in the workplace, valid for 3 years.

Target audience

This course is specifically designed for professionals working in the UK Housing Sector who have health and safety responsibilities for staff, tenants, contractors and visitors across a variety of housing-related environments.

Typical delegates include

Housing managers and team leaders:

• Responsible for managing housing stock, maintenance teams or neighbourhood operations
• Overseeing daily tenant services, repairs and compliance with health and safety regulations.

Asset and property managers:

• Managing large portfolios of housing assets and ensuring properties meet legal safety standards
• Coordinating repairs, maintenance, and refurbishment projects safely and in compliance with legislation.

Repairs and maintenance supervisors:

• Supervising direct labour organisations (DLOs), contractors or external maintenance providers
• Ensuring safe systems of work, risk assessments, and method statements (RAMS) are in place.

Health and safety officers / compliance officers:

• Monitoring organisational compliance with housing legislation, including the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, Fire Safety Act, Building Safety Act and other sector-specific duties.

Facilities and estates managers:

• Managing communal areas, high-rise buildings, sheltered schemes and other specialised housing facilities
• Ensuring the safety of vulnerable tenants, visitors, and staff.

Development and construction supervisors:

• Overseeing contractors and developers during new-build or regeneration projects
• Managing CDM (Construction Design and Management) duties in pre-construction and construction phases.

Housing association / ALMO leadership teams:

• Senior managers responsible for organisational health and safety strategy and compliance oversight.

Tenant engagement and community safety teams:

• Working directly with tenants and communities on health, safety, and welfare initiatives.