FAQs

• How are SOCOTEC’s health and safety training courses assessed?
• How will SOCOTEC accommodate delegates for whom English is not their first language?
• What teaching methods do SOCOTEC use for their health and safety training courses?
• Why do certain health and safety training courses have a maximum limit on the number of delegates that can attend?
• Are there certificates for each health and safety training course and do these expire?
• Should I choose e-learning or classroom-based health and safety training?
• Why is refresher health and safety training important and how often do I need to participate?
• Which first aid course do I need?
• Is health and safety training mandatory?
• Which health and safety training course is best for me – IOSH or NEBOSH?

How are SOCOTEC’s health and safety training courses assessed?

All health and safety training courses have an end of course assessment that will enable SOCOTEC to determine whether or not the aims and objectives have been met. The type of assessment will naturally depend on each individual course and can be in the form of examination papers, multiple choice tests and practical demonstrations.

How will SOCOTEC accommodate delegates for whom English is not their first language?

If the fact that English is not a delegate’s first language is highlighted at the time of the enquiry/booking, SOCOTEC will ensure that our trainer contacts the organiser to discuss their specific requirements.

What teaching methods do SOCOTEC use for their health and safety training courses?

If this is an accredited course, SOCOTEC will deliver as per the prescribed syllabus. However, we also encourage all of our trainers to use their own experiences and anecdotal evidence when engaging with the audience. PowerPoint is the core delivery method, but suitable media, exercises and group discussions are integrated into all training sessions.

Why do certain health and safety training courses have a maximum limit on the number of delegates that can attend?

Many of SOCOTEC’s accredited courses stipulate the numbers that can be accommodated for each course. However, when undertaking bespoke or in-house training, this can be discussed with the trainer. Practical courses restrict numbers due to the practical assessment sessions that have to be accommodated within the training.

Are there certificates for each health and safety training course and do these expire?

Yes – health and safety certificates for accredited training courses are issued by the awarding bodies. If your training is internal or in-house, SOCOTEC certificates are delivered to each successful candidate.

Many of the awarding bodies such as CITB and IOSH stipulate the expiry dates of their certificates. For general health and safety training courses such as Manual Handling, DSE, COSHH and Risk Assessor, certificates are valid for three years after the date of completion, after which date refresher training will be required.

As a general rule, it is highly recommended that you check with your trainer with regards to the expiry date for your chosen course, as certain qualifications, such as UKATA Asbestos Awareness training, require refresher training every 12 months.

Should I choose e-learning or classroom-based health and safety training?

Deciding between e-learning or classroom-based health and safety training is purely down to the individual and/or their line manager, as everyone learns in different ways.

SOCOTEC can accommodate many different ways of training, all of which can be discussed with our senior trainers. They can provide advice on the various benefits of each method of learning as well as offer the option of a blended learning approach, which may better suit the individual and/or employer. 

Why is refresher health and safety training important and how often do I need to participate?

SOCOTEC encourages refresher training every two to three years, as this is a good way of helping delegates to refresh their memories. Therefore, it is important that delegates constantly refresh or remind themselves of their knowledge so that they remain both competent and confident in their skills, particularly for such courses as first aid and fire safety.

Which first aid course do I need?

According to the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, all employers are legally responsible to ensure that there is appropriate first aid cover for staff and visitors in the event of an accident in the workplace.

It only takes a few details to find out instantly which training and supplies are right for you, based on Health and Safety Executive regulations. Click here to determine which course is right for you.

Is health and safety training mandatory?

It is a legal requirement for employers to provide health and safety training, instruction, supervision and information to all employees as far as is reasonably practicable, as stated in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

This is supported by the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, which identifies specific instances where health and safety training is important, such as during inductions, supplying refresher training to those in a supervisory role, or for when employees are exposed to new risks.

There are a number of other regulations which include specific health and safety training requirements, e.g asbestos and first aid. For more information, visit HSE’s Health and Safety Training: A Brief Guide.

Which health and safety training course is best for me – IOSH or NEBOSH?

As two of the most widely recognised international health and safety training courses, many delegates can find it difficult to determine whether IOSH or NEBOSH qualifications provides the right course for their requirements. 

Check out our FAQs on IOSH or NEBOSH? Finding the Best Qualification For You for further information.