IOSH Working Safely study plan
IOSH Working Safely · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Introducing working safely
Explain the legal and moral reasons for working safely, including the employer's duty of care and the employee's responsibilities.
Define the terms 'hazard' and 'risk' and give two workplace examples of each.
Describe the 'hierarchy of control' and list its five levels in order.
Summarise the purpose of a workplace safety policy and the role of a safety representative.
Your checkpoint
Write a one-page summary sheet that defines hazard and risk, lists the five hierarchy-of-control levels with one example each, and states three employee responsibilities under health and safety law.
Defining hazards
Classify common workplace hazards into the categories: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial.
Identify the six main routes by which a hazard can cause harm (e.g., inhalation, absorption, ingestion, injection, impact, and repetitive motion).
Explain the difference between a hazard and a risk using a real task from your own workplace or daily life.
Describe how to carry out a basic risk assessment using the five-step approach (identify, decide who might be harmed, evaluate and control, record, review).
Your checkpoint
Complete a risk assessment for one routine task (e.g., changing a printer toner or making a hot drink) using the five-step method, listing at least three hazards and their controls.
Defining hazards
Apply the hierarchy of control to at least three different hazards and justify the chosen control.
Distinguish between a 'hazard' and a 'risk' in the context of a near miss and an accident.
Explain the purpose of accident and incident reporting and name the types of events that must be recorded.
Describe how to reduce risk using elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE, giving a workplace example of each.
Your checkpoint
Create a table that maps five hazards to the most appropriate control measure from the hierarchy and explains why lower-level controls alone are insufficient.
Identifying common hazards
Identify the key hazards associated with slips, trips, and falls, and list three prevention measures for each.
Describe the hazards of working at height and the basic precautions for using ladders and stepladders safely.
Explain the risks from manual handling and list the elements of a safe lifting technique.
Recognise electrical hazards and state the basic precautions for using portable electrical equipment.
Your checkpoint
Produce a hazard-spotting checklist covering slips/trips/falls, work at height, manual handling, and electrical equipment, with at least two control measures per hazard.
Identifying common hazards
Describe the hazards associated with hazardous substances and the purpose of safety data sheets and COSHH assessments.
Identify the main hazards from fire and explain the fire triangle and basic fire prevention measures.
Explain the risks from noise and vibration and the purpose of exposure limits and hearing protection.
Recognise the hazards of confined spaces and lone working and state the precautions required.
Your checkpoint
Write a one-page briefing note that explains the fire triangle, lists three fire prevention measures, and summarises the controls for hazardous substances and noise.
Identifying common hazards & Improving safety performance
Identify the hazards of workplace transport and moving machinery, including the need for segregation and guarding.
Describe the hazards of using display screen equipment and the basic ergonomic adjustments to reduce risk.
Explain the purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) and its limitations.
Describe how to report a hazard or defect and the importance of near-miss reporting.
Your checkpoint
Complete a short workplace inspection report (real or simulated) that records at least five hazards, their risk rating, and the recommended control.
Improving safety performance
Explain the purpose and structure of a health and safety management system.
Describe how safety performance is measured using reactive and proactive indicators.
Outline the role of safety committees, safety representatives, and employee consultation.
Explain the purpose of accident investigation and the difference between immediate and root causes.
Your checkpoint
Draft a one-page accident investigation summary for a simulated incident that identifies immediate and root causes and recommends three corrective actions.
Introducing working safely & Defining hazards & Identifying common hazards & Improving safety performance
Consolidate all four domains by reviewing notes and correcting weak areas identified in practice questions.
Complete a full timed mock examination under exam conditions.
Explain the link between risk assessment, control measures, and monitoring in improving safety performance.
State the key legal duties of employers and employees and give a workplace example of each.
Your checkpoint
Score at least 80% on a 30-question timed mock exam and write a one-page revision sheet of the five weakest topics with corrected answers.
Milestones
Week 2: Can define hazard and risk without notes and list the five steps of a risk assessment in the correct order.
Week 4: Can identify at least three hazards and their controls for each of the four hazard groups covered (slips/trips/falls, work at height, manual handling, electrical).
Week 6: Can complete a workplace inspection report that records five hazards with risk ratings and controls, and explain the purpose of near-miss reporting.
Week 8: Achieve at least 80% on a 30-question timed mock exam and produce a revision sheet of the five weakest topics with corrected answers.