Employer Benefits of NEBOSH Trained Staff
How Professional Training Could Transform Your Workplace
Much has been said about the benefits NEBOSH SHE (Safety, Health, and Environmental) qualifications offer to employees. However, it's equally important to recognize the substantial advantages employers gain from having NEBOSH-trained staff in the workplace.
Here's an overview of how professional training can transform your workplace and enhance staff protection.
NEBOSH Overview
Established in 1979, NEBOSH is a globally recognized leader in Health, Safety, and Environmental Management qualifications. With course providers in over 132 countries, NEBOSH offers training for all workforce levels, from level 2 up to Diploma level qualifications. For those seeking further advancement, NEBOSH collaborates with universities to provide post-graduate Master of Science (MSc) qualifications.
Thanks to this extensive global network, NEBOSH has become one of the most respected awarding bodies, achieving “Approved Awarding Body” status from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) in 2009.
Qualifications for All Business Types
NEBOSH qualifications extend beyond Health and Safety. Students can specialize in areas such as:
- Construction
- Fire Safety
- Health and Well-Being
- Environmental Management
- Oil and Gas
- Process Safety (in collaboration with the HSE)
These qualifications are available as both National (UK-based) and International certifications, making them versatile for businesses aiming for global expansion. NEBOSH regularly updates its courses to reflect industry changes and new developments.
Reasons to Train Employees to a NEBOSH Standard
There are three primary reasons to train employees to a NEBOSH standard:
1. Legal: Legally, it is imperative to ensure workers have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform their tasks safely and without risk to others or the environment. NEBOSH qualifications help workers understand organizational statutory requirements and individual obligations.
2. Moral: Employers have a duty of care to their workers and others affected by their actions. Educating workers in risk management and control demonstrates a commitment to safety, benefiting workers, the public, and the environment.
3. Economic: Employing qualified and knowledgeable staff makes good business sense. It enhances recognition with suppliers, consumers, and industry peers, positively impacting the business. Educated workers are more aware of risks and controls, reducing costly accidents and incidents.
Competence
In environmental, health, safety, and management circles, "competence" is a key term. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), competence is the combination of training, skills, experience, and knowledge applied to perform tasks safely. Dame Judith Hackett, former HSE Chairperson, emphasized that competence is about recognizing risks and applying the right measures to control them.
NEBOSH qualifications enhance staff competence from the shop floor to senior management. These qualifications improve knowledge, skills, and management throughout an organization. Employees not only gain practical knowledge but also learn how to implement changes effectively using proper techniques and management skills. This integrated skill set strengthens the organization.
Increased safety in processes, specialized areas, the environment, and worker interactions is another benefit of NEBOSH training. Using the same awarding body across different areas ensures standardized training, promoting synergy throughout the organization. This is especially useful for companies seeking accreditation for management systems like ISO 9001, ISO 45001, or ISO 14001.
Rewards
Beyond the business benefits, NEBOSH training offers essential but often overlooked rewards:
- Happier Staff: Employees who feel their employer invests in them feel valued. Valued employees are more loyal, enthusiastic, and happy in their work.
- Confident Workers: Increased knowledge and achievements boost self-confidence. Understanding their tasks and the surrounding health, safety, and environment promotes positive work ethics.
- Increased Morale: Competent and confident workers elevate workforce morale, ensuring a positive work ethic and outlook on the organization's health, safety, and environment.
- Commitment: Training, encouragement, and job satisfaction foster commitment to job roles and organizational goals. Valued employees become more loyal when they see their employer investing in them.
Conclusion
Investing in NEBOSH training benefits both the organization and the employees. While considering the training cost, weigh it against the benefits of having a well-trained workforce accredited by a globally renowned awarding body. The advantages extend beyond the organization to each individual worker, creating a safer and more productive workplace.
