Safety and Health Training
Training principles
- Training builds competence: the knowledge, skill and behaviour needed to work safely. It is not just attendance at a talk.
- Induction covers site rules, hazards, emergency arrangements and reporting. Task-specific training covers chemicals, machinery, PPE, manual handling, confined spaces and supervision.
- Training must be understandable to the worker, considering language, literacy and experience. It should be refreshed when risks change or performance shows gaps.
- Evaluate training by observation and questioning, not only by signatures. Keep records of content, trainer, date and attendees.
- Committee members and supervisors need training for their roles.
Worked example
A new solvent is introduced. Workers receive a safety data sheet briefing, hands-on training in decanting, respirator use and spill response, and supervised practice before independent work. The supervisor observes the task and records the competence check. A leaflet alone would not be adequate because workers must demonstrate safe practice.
Traps that cost marks
One-off induction only; generic training unrelated to the task; attendance sheets treated as competence; no refresher after change; training in a language workers do not understand.
Exam focus
Link training to risk, demonstrate competence and record it. In scenarios, identify who needs training, what content and how effectiveness is checked.