Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision

The employer must ensure that managers and employees have the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary in order to ensure that their job is done safely. The employee induction procedure should include the key elements of the Safety Statement, fire and emergency procedures, and health and safety related policies and procedures. It should also include safe systems of work specific to the employee’s tasks.

Job analysis and risk assessment should identify where specific training is required, such as skills required for dealing with aggressive behaviour, manual and patient handling training, Safe Pass training, and any other necessary training. When training needs have been identified, there should be a planned approach to meeting those needs. Refresher training may be needed in order to ensure that employees maintain their skills. The employer is required to keep training records.

Instruction and training must be given in a form, manner and language that would be reasonably likely to be understood by those receiving it. The employer should be satisfied that such training has been fully understood, particularly by those who do not use English as a first language. The employer should assess the employees’ understanding of the training received and evaluate the training programmes.

Safety and health training must not be provided at any financial cost to the employee, nor impact upon their remuneration.

Safety supervision is a legal obligation under occupational health and safety law. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the employer must provide the degree of supervision necessary for work to be carried out safely and without risk to the health of employees and other people at the workplace.