Legal Requirements (SO5-AC2)

Training is helping and showing employees what they should and should not do when they carry out their workplace activities.

Employees should be suitably trained in all aspects of their job from the most unskilled to the riskiest activities in the workplace.

Suitable employee training can reduce workplace incidents and accidents which in turn can lead to reduced costs, lower insurance premiums and fewer potential lawsuits. It would also promote a healthier, safer and happier workforce.

Workplace instruction can be carried out in various ways, it could be a written document such as a method statement, or it could be verbal communication from a line manager or colleague.

For legal requirements and health and safety purposes, you will need to take appropriate action to protect employees; this can include the provision of information, training and supervision.

You have a legal duty under ‘The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999’ (MHSWR) to co-operate with other employers to ensure compliance with health and safety law.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requires employers to provide free of charge training, instruction and supervision necessary for all their employees. Those who have control over premises have to consider the safety of anyone who comes on the premises, including contractors and customers.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 places a duty on employers to assess and manage risks to their employees and others arising from work activities. Employees must work safely in accordance with their training and the instructions given to them.