Is IOSH Managing Safely Worth It? A Comprehensive Analysis

The IOSH Managing Safely course is designed to provide managers and team leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to manage health and safety risks in the workplace. The course covers a range of topics, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and accident investigation. But is it course worth the investment of time and money?

Many businesses view the IOSH Managing Safely course as a valuable investment in their employees and their overall safety culture. The course provides managers with the confidence and skills to effectively manage health and safety risks, which can lead to a reduction in accidents and incidents. In turn, this can lead to increased productivity and reduced costs associated with accidents and sickness.

However, some may question it's value, particularly if they have already implemented robust health and safety measures in their workplace. It is important to consider the specific needs of your business and employees when deciding whether the course is worth it. Ultimately, the decision to invest in the IOSH Managing Safely course will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of your business, your industry, and your existing health and safety practices.

Understanding IOSH Managing Safely

What is IOSH Managing Safely?

IOSH Managing Safely is a health and safety qualification designed for managers and supervisors across all industries. It covers the essential knowledge and skills required to manage health and safety within the workplace, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control. The course is available both online and in a classroom setting, and successful completion results in a certificate.

The Importance of IOSH Managing Safely

IOSH Managing Safely is an essential qualification for any manager or supervisor who is responsible for the health and safety of their team. It provides a comprehensive understanding of health and safety legislation and best practices, enabling managers to create a safer working environment for their employees.

The course covers a range of topics, including the legal responsibilities of managers, the importance of risk assessments, and the control of hazards and accidents. By completing the course, managers will be better equipped to identify potential hazards and implement effective control measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

In addition to improving workplace safety, it can also benefit HR departments and organisations as a whole. Having a team of qualified managers who are knowledgeable about health and safety can help to reduce workplace accidents and injuries, resulting in fewer days lost to sickness and injury. It can also improve employee morale and productivity, as employees feel safer and more valued in a workplace that prioritises their health and wellbeing.

Overall, this particular IOSH course is a valuable qualification for any manager or supervisor who wants to create a safer and more productive workplace. By providing a comprehensive understanding of health and safety legislation and best practices, the course equips managers with the knowledge and skills they need to identify and control workplace hazards, prevent accidents and injuries, and ensure compliance with health and safety laws.

Benefits of IOSH Managing Safely

IOSH Managing Safely is a widely recognised health and safety course that provides individuals and organisations with a range of benefits. Here are some of the benefits of IOSH Managing Safely:

For Individuals

  • Improved health and safety knowledge and practical skills that can be applied in the workplace
  • Increased credibility and employability in the health and safety profession
  • Internationally recognised qualification that can open up career opportunities
  • Membership with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), a chartered body for health and safety professionals
  • Better understanding of health and safety law and compliance requirements
  • Reduced risk of workplace hazards and accidents, leading to improved health and wellbeing
  • Opportunity to progress to higher-level health and safety qualifications, such as the NEBOSH National General Certificate

For Organisations

  • Improved safety performance and reduced risk of workplace accidents and incidents
  • Increased productivity and efficiency due to better health and safety management
  • Reduced sickness and absenteeism, leading to cost savings
  • Better reputation and credibility within the community and industry
  • Compliance with health and safety legislation and guidance
  • Bespoke training tailored to the specific needs of the organisation
  • Practical risk assessment project that can be applied to the workplace
  • Guidance on risk control methodology, including the hierarchy of risk control
  • Auditing and monitoring of health and safety measures to ensure ongoing compliance

Overall, IOSH Managing Safely is a valuable investment for both individuals and organisations, providing practical skills and knowledge for managing health and safety in the workplace. The course is available online and through training providers, with a multiple-choice exam and practical risk assessment project required to pass. The pass rates are high, and the course is an excellent entry-level qualification for those looking to progress in a career in health and safety.

Course Content and Structure

IOSH Managing Safely is a training course designed for managers and supervisors to equip them with the knowledge and skills to manage health and safety within their teams. The course covers the basics of risk management across eight modules and topics. The modules include:

Course Modules

  1. Introducing Managing Safely
  2. Assessing Risks
  3. Controlling Risks
  4. Understanding Responsibilities
  5. Understanding Hazards
  6. Investigating Incidents
  7. Measuring Performance
  8. Protecting Our Environment

The course is designed to be interactive and engaging, with practical examples and case studies to illustrate key concepts. The course can be completed online or in-person through an accredited training provider.

Assessment and Certification

At the end of studying the course content, there are two assessments - a multiple-choice, closed book exam and a risk assessment project. The pass mark for both assessments is 36 out of 60. If you pass both assessments, you'll gain a level two IOSH qualification and certificate. The certificate is internationally recognised, making it a valuable addition to any CV.

The course is an entry-level qualification, equivalent to a GCSE in England and Wales. It is designed for anyone to be able to study it without any prior knowledge of health and safety issues. The course is also a prerequisite for those who wish to progress to the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

The course is structured around the hierarchy of risk control methodology, which emphasizes the importance of identifying and controlling workplace hazards. The course also covers health and safety law, risk assessments, health and safety management, and practical skills for implementing safety measures.

In conclusion, the IOSH Managing Safely course provides line managers and team leaders with the necessary health and safety knowledge and practical skills to manage workplace hazards and improve safety performance. The course is a valuable investment for those seeking to advance their career in the health and safety profession.

Comparison with Other Health and Safety Courses

IOSH vs NEBOSH

When it comes to health and safety qualifications, IOSH and NEBOSH are two of the most well-known institutions. While both are internationally recognised, there are some key differences between the two.

IOSH courses are generally more generalised, providing basic training on health and safety for managers, supervisors, and regular personnel. On the other hand, NEBOSH courses are more specific and qualify people to work in the health and safety profession.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is a chartered body for health and safety professionals, offering a range of health and safety courses and qualifications. The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) is an independent examination board offering a range of health and safety qualifications.

While NEBOSH courses tend to be more specific, they are also more in-depth and rigorous than IOSH courses. The NEBOSH National General Certificate, for example, is a widely recognised qualification in the health and safety sector.

IOSH Working Safely vs Managing Safely

IOSH offers two main health and safety courses: Working Safely and Managing Safely. Working Safely is an entry-level course designed for employees at all levels, providing an understanding of the basics of workplace health and safety. Managing Safely, on the other hand, is designed for managers and supervisors, providing a more in-depth understanding of health and safety management.

While both courses are valuable, Managing Safely is more comprehensive and covers more topics related to health and safety management. It is also more suitable for those looking to pursue a career in health and safety management.

In summary, both IOSH and NEBOSH offer valuable health and safety qualifications, but the choice ultimately depends on the individual's career goals and the level of depth and rigour they require. Those looking for a general understanding of workplace health and safety may benefit from IOSH courses, while those looking for a more specific and rigorous qualification may prefer NEBOSH courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of completing the IOSH Managing Safely course?

Completing the course provides managers with in-depth knowledge of health and safety laws and practical skills to manage risks effectively. This qualification is recognized globally and is ideal for anyone who oversees teams or individuals, regardless of their sector. It shows employers that the candidate is serious about health and safety and has the necessary training to protect themselves and others at work.

How does the IOSH Managing Safely certificate compare to other safety qualifications?

The IOSH Managing Safely certificate is a highly regarded qualification in health and safety management. It is on par with the NEBOSH General Certificate and the CMIOSH qualification. However, it is more focused on managing risks and is suitable for managers and supervisors who have health and safety responsibilities.

What is the pass rate?

The pass mark for both assessments is 36 out of 60.

What job opportunities are available with an IOSH Managing Safely qualification?

An IOSH Managing Safely qualification can open up job opportunities for managers and supervisors who have health and safety responsibilities. It is particularly useful for those working in construction, manufacturing, and engineering industries. Some common job titles for those with an IOSH Managing Safely qualification include Health and Safety Manager, Health and Safety Officer, and Risk Manager.

Can the IOSH Managing Safely Refresher course be taken online?

Yes, the refresher course can be taken online. The course is designed for those who have already completed the IOSH Managing Safely course and need to refresh their knowledge and skills.

What is the difference between IOSH Managing Safely, and IOSH Working Safely?

The IOSH Working Safely course, is an entry-level qualification in health and safety. It is suitable for employees at all levels and provides a basic understanding of health and safety laws and regulations. It is aimed at those working 'on the ground'.

The IOSH Managing Safely course, is a more advanced qualification in health and safety management. It is suitable for managers and supervisors who have health and safety responsibilities and provides in-depth knowledge of health and safety laws and practical skills to manage risks effectively.