Top Reasons to Choose IOSH for Health and Safety Certifications

If you’re looking to start a career in occupational health and safety, now is the best time. With rising concerns on employees' health and well-being, these health professionals are most needed now more than ever.

But, where and how do you start? In this article, we’ll introduce IOSH, some IOSH courses that are best suited for beginners, and the benefits of choosing IOSH for your health and safety certifications.

What is IOSH?

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) is a renowned UK-based safety membership body dedicated to advancing health and safety practices in workplaces. Established in 1945, IOSH emerged in response to the pressing need for improved occupational safety standards following World War II. 

Over the decades, IOSH has played a pivotal role in shaping health and safety legislation, fostering professional development, and promoting best practices across various industries. Today, it stands as the world's largest chartered body for health and safety professionals, boasting a global membership of 48,000 (over 150 countries). IOSH continues to lead initiatives aimed at creating safer and healthier workplaces.

Which is better, IOSH or NEBOSH?

If you’ve worked in occupational health and safety, you might be familiar with IOSH and NEBOSH. IOSH and NEBOSH are two of the most famous organisations in the field of health and safety. But what’s their difference, and which is better?

IOSH is a chartered body that focuses on professional development and offers a range of IOSH membership categories (student membership, chartered fellow membership, etc.). IOSH courses, such as Managing Safely, are the best starting point for those new to health and safety. These courses are also perfect for regular personnel or supervisors in low-risk environments.

On the other hand, NEBOSH, the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, is an awarding body. NEBOSH provides vocational qualifications in health, safety, and environmental management. NEBOSH qualifications, such as the National General Certificate and Diploma, are suitable for those seeking to specialise in health and safety or progress to higher-level positions.

Both qualifications are globally recognised and choosing which works best for you depends on your level and career aspirations. If you’re a beginner with no prior experience, we recommend that you start with IOSH courses.

Why Choose IOSH?

IOSH, though beginner-friendly, can offer a heap of benefits for you. Here are the advantages of enrolling in IOSH courses over other health and safety courses:

• Global Recognition

  IOSH is a globally recognised and respected chartered body. Getting a certification will provide you with credibility and validation to work in occupational health and safety.

• Expert-Led Training

  IOSH courses are designed and delivered by industry experts. This ensures that get the training that aligns with industry standards and best practices.

• Diverse Course Offerings

  IOSH offers a diverse range of courses that cater to various levels of expertise and specific industry sectors.

• Professional Membership

  Completing an IOSH course often leads to professional membership. This means that you gain access to a supportive community, resources, and opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.

• Fast training time

  Our IOSH courses can be completed in just a matter of days, with the Working Safely course spanning only a day.

• Lifetime validity

  IOSH certifications have no expiration.

• Understanding of HSE Legislation

  IOSH courses will enable you to understand and apply the regulations and guidelines established by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) legislation. Compliance with HSE legislation is mandatory for employers and employees alike, with non-compliance potentially leading to legal penalties, fines, or prosecution.

• Long-term benefits for organisations

  IOSH courses are designed to enhance your organisation's ability to manage health and safety performance. This will boost employee well-being and decrease the number of accidents. This not only leads to improved productivity but also reduces unnecessary expenses, such as medical bills.

Taking IOSH courses is beneficial for both professionals and their organisations. These courses assist organisations in meeting legal and industry standards, reducing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and legal issues. Moreover, when you are educated in health and safety practices, it leads to a safer workplace. This not only boosts employee morale but also enhances productivity and encourages staff retention. 

IOSH Health and Safety Courses

If you’re looking for entry-level health and safety courses, the following IOSH certifications will work best for you.

IOSH Working Safely

During this course, you will:

• Understand the critical role of health and safety within the workplace.
• Learn strategies to prevent health and safety issues, ensuring neither you nor your colleagues are placed in harm's way.
• Discover preventive measures and precautions necessary for maintaining a safe work environment.
• Get familiar with emergency response procedures and the specific duties of employees in the event of an accident.
• Explore concepts related to workplace hazards, risks, and the significance of conducting risk assessments.
• Engage in practical exercises for conducting daily risk assessments and applying these practices in real-world work settings.
• Examine the repercussions for both employees and the business if health and safety protocols are not adhered to properly.
• Gain insights into what constitutes a health and safety management system, including the use and interpretation of safety signs and signals.
• Learn about the incident reporting process, including the appropriate channels and authorities to report workplace incidents or health and safety concerns to.

Career Opportunities (with estimated salary): Trainee Health & Safety Coordinator (£20k),   Trainee Health & Safety Advisor (£20k), Extrusion Operator Supervisor (£27k), Health & Safety Advisor (£34k)

Prerequisites:No specific prerequisites are required 

Mode of training:Virtual classroom

IOSH Managing Safely

During this course, you will:

• Recognise the importance of managing health and safety within the workplace.
• Understand the legal requirements for implementing a health and safety management strategy.
• Comprehend the specific responsibilities of managers and supervisors regarding health and safety.
• Identify potential health and safety risks in the workplace.
• Distinguish between 'active' and 'reactive' monitoring methods, and know when and how to apply them effectively.

Career Opportunities (with estimated salary):Site Operations Supervisor (£27k), Facilities Coordinator (£27k), Trainee Health & Safety Advisor (£34k)

Prerequisites:No specific prerequisites are required

Mode of training:Virtual classroom

Conclusion

IOSH courses are the best training to understand the foundation and basics of health and safety. If you’re ready to move forward with your career, partner with e-Careers today. When you choose us, you’ll be trained by industry experts with over 10 years of experience.

All our IOSH courses are also delivered through virtual classrooms. This means that you can take your lessons in the comfort of your home or wherever you may be in the world. We also ensure that your lessons will not interfere with your current work or commitments. Our courses only take a day or 3 days at most. 

Take the first step to success. Contact us today by phone +44 (0) 20 3198 7700or email us at ask@e-careers.com.

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