Free online Health and Safety Induction for SMEs
An online Workplace Safety, Health and Welfare Induction aimed at supporting employers to deliver induction to new employees has launched, covering a range of health and safety areas designed to help employees to stay safe while at work.
The online induction comprises a suite of short awareness-raising courses which can be used along with workplace-specific training and was launched by the Health and Safety Authority ( HSA) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo. The online induction can be accessed on the HSA elearning portal (https://hsalearning.ie/) and on the ATU Free Courses portal.
In total, the Workplace Safety, Health and Welfare Induction consists of 8 units. Units 1 and 2 are compulsory and cover key employer and employee roles and responsibilities as well as work-related stress. Units 3 to 8 are optional and can be selected as appropriate to the specific work environment. Topics include: manual handling; ergonomics; housekeeping in the workplace; chemical safety; workplace transport safety; noise and machinery.
Interim Chief Executive of Health and Safety Authority, Mark Cullen said, “This online Induction resource will assist employers in meeting their training obligations toward employees. Employees should have a clear understanding of the risks in their workplace and the actions required to avoid workplace injury and illhealth. The reduction of workplace injuries and fatalities in all sectors remains a priority for the Authority and we are very pleased to collaborate with ATU in making this free resource available to all.”
Digital badges are awarded to learners for each unit taken. A certificate is also awarded to learners on successful completion of the course sections, which includes a short online assessment. A minimum score of 80% is required to pass. Once complete, learners can download their certificates which employers can retain as part of training records. Employers can also register groups of employees to take the induction.