What is the IOSH Managing Safely Course? | Benefits, Structure & Who Should Take It

Health and Safety management is a vital aspect for all business. All workers have a right to work in an environment where risks to their health and safety are kept to a minimum and one of the best ways of ensuring this in a business is to make managers and team leaders aware of their responsibilities. The IOSH Managing Safely is a globally recognised basic risk management health and safety course, offering management and supervisory staff an understanding of the practical solutions required for a productive and safe workforce.

Ensuring the health and safety of the workforce is an integral part of a manager’s role and allows productivity to be maximised through reducing the disruption caused by accidents and sickness.

As a widely recognised approved certificate, the IOSH Managing Safely is a thorough course that provides management staff with the foundation of knowledge to lead their workforce effectively while also ensuring employees’ health and safety is prioritised.

What Topics are Covered in the IOSH Managing Safely Course?

The IOSH Managing Safely course covers essential topics such as risk management, workplace safety procedures, managers' responsibilities and legal compliance. The IOSH course is designed to equip managers with the tools to maintain a safe work environment.

The course itself is split into two areas of study: a taught module and a work-based assignment, allowing managers to gain the foundation of knowledge and then demonstrate this knowledge in a practical assignment.

The IOSH Managing Safely Certificate course covers a total of eight topics which include:

1. Introducing Managing Safely – Managers will gain a basic understanding of what is meant by ‘Health and Safety’ as well as a manager’s responsibilities and accountabilities.
2. Investigating Accidents and Incidents – This covers the difference between accidents and near misses, how to respond to an accident and the correct accident investigation process.
3. Assessing Risk – This section will demonstrate the correct risk assessment process and sensible risk management.
4. Controlling Risk – Here, the legal framework for risk management, required levels of control and Safe Systems of Work (SSW) are covered in detail.
5. Understanding Managers' Responsibilities – A crucial part of the course which covers health and safety law, the enforcement of health and safety and the plan, do, check, act methodology.
6. Common Hazards – This section will cover the most common hazards in the workplace including electricity, slips, trips and falls, working at height and aggression, bullying and violence as well as many more.
7. Measuring Performance – The last section of the course allows managers to gain insight into active and reactive health and safety monitoring and health and safety auditing so they are able to understand where improvement can be made within the company.
   8. Human Factors an Astutis Exclusive Bonus Module:  – Identifies organisation and individual factors and how to promote a health and safety culture within a business, as well as understanding the human failures and violations which can cause risks and accidents.

Upon completion of the course, managers and supervisors will have a full understanding of their responsibilities for safety in the workplace, so they will be able to recognise common workplace hazards, evaluate and reduce risk, by applying risk control methodology. Furthermore, knowledge will be gained in understanding the requirements of HSE legislation, how to undertake structured risk assessments and recognise ways to measure and improve health and safety.

Why Take the IOSH Managing Safely Course? Benefits for Employers and Managers

The IOSH Managing Safely course provides employers with numerous benefits, including improved workplace safety, reduced risks, and enhanced productivity. It also helps businesses stay compliant with health and safety regulations, reducing the chances of legal issues.

The IOSH Managing Safely course has many benefits for employers looking to upskill their workforce. These include:

• Improved Reputation: Organisations with a  strict approach and attitude to health and safety receive more consumer trust. Naturally, consumers will be more comfortable and interested if a business is safer. 
• Legal Compliance: The IOSH Managing Safely course gifts organisations with enhanced employee safety and legal compliance, preventing fines as well as criminal and civil charges.
• Staff Development: Employees who pass the IOSH Managing Safely can become proactive leaders within your organisation, helping to embed safer practices and cultures. 
• Risk Prevention: Risks materialise in every workplace; the key is understanding how to minimise their probability and impact. The IOSH Managing Safely is the first step to establishing a risk management programme. 
• Increased Productivity: If the workplace is safer, employees will require fewer days off sick, resulting in higher production. The IOSH Managing Safely course will also advise managers and supervisors on the best practices surrounding employee sick days so they implement the best system in your organisation. 

Who Should Take the IOSH Managing Safely Course?

The IOSH Managing Safely course is designed for managers and supervisors who are responsible for maintaining workplace health and safety. While there are no formal entry requirements, the course is best suited for individuals in leadership roles who wish to enhance their knowledge of workplace safety.

No prior course certifications are required, making the course accessible to all. However, if you aren't yet in a managerial or supervisory role or have staff looking to take that step up, our IOSH Working Safely course can serve as fantastic introduction and benchmark for all employees and will be useful to you should you decide to do it in future.

The IOSH Working Safely course is the ideal first step before engaging with the IOSH Managing Safely. Whereas the Managing Safely course instructs on effective management strategies, the Working Safely course provides essential practical and theory-based advice on working safely in the workplace. 

How Is the IOSH Managing Safely Course Assessed?

The IOSH Managing Safely course is assessed through a multiple choice test and a workplace risk assessment project at the end of the course. 

Leaners must pass both in order to receive their IOSH certificate. We have a detailed article on the website that covers everything you need to know about passing your IOSH Managing Safely practical risk assessment with flying colours. 

For further information on how IOSH assess learners, our Exam Hub houses all the latest information you need to know.

How Long is the IOSH Managing Safely Course? Duration and Learning Methods

The IOSH Managing Safely course offers flexible learning methods, including online learning, virtual training, classroom training and in-company, allowing you to complete the course at your own pace. The duration ranges from 21 hours for online learning to 3 days for classroom training.

The length of time required to complete the IOSH Managing Safely course will depend on the type of learning method chosen for the person(s) taking the course.

These are the different ways you can take the course:

• Online Learning - it usually takes anything from 21-hours of learning followed by a 1-hour assessment which can be done flexibly within six months. Target completion dates for staff can be agreed and additional features such as webinars, class training, progress reports to ensure that everybody completes the course.
• Virtual Classroom Training -  Infusing the traditional structure of classroom training with the flexibility and control of digital learning. Led by a industry-leading HSE tutor, the course should take approximately three days. 
• Classroom Learning -  is a three-day course which would need to be completed at one of 15 classroom locations across England, Scotland and Wales. Alternatively, if you are looking to train your workforce in-company, a qualified tutor can teach staff at your site on agreed dates.
• In-Company Training - if you have numerous staff within your company that need to be trained you can choose the best method to suit your objectives and employees.

What Are the Entry Requirements for the IOSH Managing Safely Course?

Anyone in a management or supervisory role can take the IOSH Managing Safely course. There are no minimum qualifications or experience required. However, as the content has a strong focus around managing safely and a manager’s responsibilities, we would recommend that only managers and supervisors take this course. If you would like further information on topics around IOSH Managing Safely we have linked a few helpful blogs as well as the course page itself. There you can trial a demo of the course and view our answers to the most frequently asked questions about the course.