Providing training and information

Everyone who works for you needs to know how to work safely and without risks to health. You must provide clear instructions, information and adequate training for your employees.

Don’t forget contractors and self-employed people who may be working for you and make sure everyone has information on:

• hazards and risks they may face
• measures in place to deal with those hazards and risks
• how to follow any emergency procedures

Some employees may have particular training needs, for example:

• new recruits need basic induction training into how to work safely, including arrangements for first aid, fire and evacuation
• people changing jobs or taking on extra responsibilities need to know about any new health and safety implications
• young employees are particularly vulnerable to accidents and you need to pay particular attention to their needs, so their training should be a priority. It is also important that new, inexperienced or young employees are adequately supervised
• employee representatives or safety representatives will require training that reflects their responsibilities
• some people’s skills may need updating by refresher training

Your risk assessment should identify any further training needs associated with specific risks. If you have identified danger areas in your workplace, you must ensure that your employees receive adequate instruction and training on precautions they must take before entering them.

You need to think about any legal requirements for specific job training, eg for operating forklift trucks. Remember that if you introduce new equipment, technology or changes to working practices/systems, your employees will need to know about any new health and safety implications.

Employees also have responsibilities under health and safety law to:

• take care of their own health and safety and that of others
• co-operate with you to help you comply with health and safety legislation
• follow any instructions or health and safety training you provide
• tell you about any work situations that present a serious and imminent risk
• let you know about any other failings they identify in your health and safety arrangements

Find out more

• Health and safety training: A brief guide (Leaflet INDG345)