Is a health and safety training certificate required by law?
There is a legal requirement for health and safety training but that does not mean a training certificate is always required.
What the law says
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 states that:
- Employers must provide whatever information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of their employees.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 states that:
- Health and safety training is particularly important in certain situations eg when people start work, on exposure to new or increased risks and where existing skills may have become rusty or need updating.
What the Health and Safety Executive says
The HSE publication ‘Health and safety training pays in the catering industry‘
All team members should:
- receive short and simple health and safety training prior to starting work for the first time
- receive a general introduction to health and safety, explanation of key areas and safe working practices
Managers and supervisors should:
- receive training so that they can ensure staff are properly trained, any equipment and the building is safe and products are being correctly handled
Suggestions for compliance
All team members:
- read and sign an ‘Essentials of Health and Safety Form’ prior to starting work for the first time.
- receive a Health and Safety Induction Handbook with a test to complete within 4 weeks.
- receive on the job training covering the health and safety controls relevant to their job role within 4 weeks. In the meantime they should be closely supervised.
Managers and supervisors:
Those responsible for reviewing health and safety risk assessments:
- Highfield Level 3 Award in Supervising Health and Safety (three day or e-learning course) within 6 months
Refresher training should take place regularly and at least every 3 years.
Any guidance given in our articles is not official and Safer Food Scores can take no responsibility if the information is used to form part of any legal or regulatory compliance for your business. However, please do get in touch if you are interested in our support services and would like to benefit from official guidance relating to your particular circumstances, email [javascript protected email address]
