OSH Training Requirements & Approach

Introduction

Providing comprehensive occupational health and safety training for staff is essential to fostering a safe and healthy workplace environment. The provision of training helps reduce the risk of work-related injuries and ill health. It equips employees with the skills and knowledge for safe work. Training also plays a crucial role in shaping and strengthening a positive safety culture within an organization and supporting compliance.

Training and Statutory Requirements

Under Section 9 and 10 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the employer is required to provide instruction, training and supervision in relation to safety, health and welfare at work.  This spans

• OSH induction training.
• Additional specialized training (as required).
• Refresher training and ongoing training (as required).

Training should be tailored to the specific risks and requirements of their workplace. Training must also be provided in a form, manner, and language that the employees understand. Employees must receive time off for training without loss of earnings.

When is Training Required

The Act defines several contents where training must be given to employees. This includes

• When they start employment.
• When they change or transfer tasks.
• When they are introduced to new equipment, technology or systems of work.
• When changes are made to existing equipment, technology or systems of work.
• Periodically to ensure that employees maintain their competency in carrying out their roles.

Training Roles & Responsibilities

Managers should

• Use the risk assessment and control programme to determine necessary training for all employees, including contractors and temporary workers.
• Record employees' occupational safety and health (OSH) training needs.
• Provide employees with the necessary information, instructions, and training to ensure their safety, health, and welfare at work.
• Ensure employees attend training.
• Maintain training records for all employees (including the names of the employees trained, the type of training provided, the date the training was conducted and the trainer’s details.
• Evaluate training to ensure learning outcomes are achieved.
• Ensure that the training and skills acquired are implemented in the workplace.

Employees should:

• Not misrepresent their level of training when entering a contract of employment.
• Follow the training policy, procedures, and safe work systems, including related risk assessments.
• Work with the Responsible Person on risk and training needs assessments.
• Attend all training (including refresher training) as required.
• Undergo training assessments as may reasonably be required
• Apply training in their work.
• Help identify training needs because of changes in working practices or equipment.

OSH Training Needs Assessment

What is it?

A training needs assessment in OSH is a process to identify the specific safety and health training required for employees to perform their jobs safely. It evaluates gaps in knowledge, skills, or practices related to workplace hazards, equipment, and procedures. This assessment ensures that employees are equipped to prevent accidents, comply with regulations, and maintain a safe working environment.

Identifying Training Needs

The risk assessment process assists in identifying hazards in the workplace and the controls necessary to ensure the safety, health, and welfare at work of employees.  Such controls may include the provision of relevant training or identify when refresher training is required.

Reviewing accident and near-miss data, and the findings and recommendations of incident investigations may highlight where there is a need for specific training or when refresher training. This may be on an individual, team or organizational level. Health and safety audits can identify where procedures are not being followed. This may be an indication of a training gap or a weakness in existing training. The Health and Safety Committee and Safety Representatives can also assist in the identification of training needs.

Training and Consultation

Safety Committee

The Safety Committees (where applicable) can assist in the identification of training needs. Specifically, they can agree training priorities and the schedule and scope of training programmes. The committee can also assist in the evaluation of any training provided. Many Safety Committees have health and safety training as a standing item on their agenda.

Safety Representatives

Consulting with Safety Representatives is a key part in the process of identifying training needs. Employees may feel more comfortable discussing their training needs with a fellow employee. In addition, Safety Representatives can provide feedback on the effectiveness of any training programme and whether refresher training is required.