Health and Safety Training Courses.

The aim of the Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace qualification is to provide candidates with knowledge of the basic Health and Safety practices that are essential in the workplace. This includes the hazards and risks presented in the workplace along with the relevant legislation, and ensures awareness of cost-effective, practical control methods.

The qualification is applicable for any private or public sector working environment and provides employees with an awareness of their own safety, as well as the safety of customers, contractors and members of the public.

The achievement of the Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace qualification will enable learners to work safely and to recognise and deal with hazards in the workplace.

The Ofqual approved Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace qualification has been developed specifically for insertion onto the Regulated Qualifications Framework with full support from Proskills. It is therefore fully cognisant with industry and regulatory standards as well as being recognized by The Health and Safety Executive, Auditors and other Enforcement Officers.

This qualification is achieved by taking a one day classroom based course. It is assessed by a multiple-choice examination, where the candidates must answer atleast 12 out of 20 questions correctly. The examination will take a maximum of 45 minutes to complete.

This regulated qualification provides progression from the Level 2 Award and is intended principally for those who work in a supervisory or managerial role. Individuals gaining this qualification will gain a wide range of knowledge of health and safety law, the hazards present in a workplace and how to implement effective and necessary controls. Learners will also be equipped with the skills necessary for the effective supervision of staff. It also focuses on the importance of the health and safety culture of a business, which is an invaluable resource for those taking the qualification.

This qualification is applicable to any private or public sector working environment. Individuals working towards this qualification will learn that supervisors and managers have legal and moral obligations to ensure health and safety within a business and that these include obligations to employees, contractors, suppliers and members of the public. They will also be able to take responsibility for ensuring the competency of the workforce and for identifying hazards, implementing controls and taking appropriate corrective action when necessary. By employing an individual with this qualification, businesses can demonstrate their legal requirement to engage a 'competent person' by having staff trained to this level.

This Ofqual approved qualification has been developed specifically for insertion into the Regulated Qualification Framework. It is therefore fully relevant to industry and regulatory standards as well as being recognised by the Health and Safety Executive, independent auditors and enforcement officers.

This qualification is achieved by completing a workbook (6-8 hours) followed by a two day classroom based course. It is assessed by a multiple-choice examination, where the candidates must answer atleast 40 out of 60 questions correctly. A merit is awarded to candidates scoring 50 or more. The examination will take a maximum of 2 hours to complete.

This qualification is aimed at supervisors and managers with a direct responsibility for health and safety management. The qualification is intended for learners already working in the capacity of supervisor or manager and those who are preparing to start work at this level.

Learners gaining this qualification will know that supervisors and managers have legal and moral obligations to ensure health and safety within a business and that this includes obligations to employees, contractors, visitors and suppliers. Its subject areas are regarded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as being important for developing safe working procedures in the workplace.

How long will it take me to achieve this qualification?

The qualification is usually obtained by taking a 5-day classroom-based course with a recommended minimum contact time of 40 hours.It is recommended that learners already possess a Level 3 Health and Safety qualification and It is advised that learners have a minimum of Level 2 in literacy or equivalent.

How is the qualification assessed?

This qualification is assessed in two parts:

Part 1: Externally set and marked activities. Learners are expected to undertake the following activities:

• Undertake a risk assessment
• Construct a safe system of work

Part 2: A 3-hour written examination that contains a case study of a fictional business which outlines its current health and safety standards, policies and procedures.

Learners must successfully complete both parts to achieve the qualification. However, marks from part 2 will be used to determine the learners grade. Learners will achieve a Pass at 60%, a Merit at 70% and a Distinction at 80%.

What next?

Learners achieving this qualification will be able to apply for managerial positions associated with health and safety. Progression and further learning routes include level 5 and above health and safety qualifications.