Foundations of Workplace Health and Safety: A 10-Day Practical Training Program Cape town 29.Jun.2025 (103600351_48947)

Course Overview:

This 10-day professional training course is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills for managing health and safety in the workplace. The program integrates a comprehensive curriculum that addresses core concepts such as legal responsibilities, hazard identification, risk assessment, fire prevention, and emergency preparedness. It also explores specialized topics such as work equipment safety, manual handling, and psychosocial risks.

Participants will gain a strong foundation in occupational health and safety standards and learn to implement safety systems that align with global best practices. The course balances theoretical content with real-world application to build confidence in applying safety knowledge in diverse organizational settings. Whether you're a safety officer, manager, or part of the operations or HR team, this program prepares you to lead or contribute effectively to workplace safety initiatives.

Target Audience:

Safety Officers

HR Professionals

Operations Managers

Facilities Managers

Targeted Organizational Departments:

Human Resources

Operations

Facilities Management

Logistics and Transport

Targeted Industries:

Manufacturing

Construction

Logistics

Healthcare

Industries facing challenges in manual handling, electrical safety, or psychosocial hazards will find this course especially valuable.

Course Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Implement effective health and safety practices across departments

Conduct structured risk assessments and apply appropriate control measures

Improve fire, electrical, and manual handling safety in the workplace

Apply emergency response techniques and basic first aid procedures

Navigate compliance requirements for health and safety legislation

Promote a proactive safety culture and identify early warning signs of risk

Training Methodology:

This course blends interactive learning, practical application, and guided discussion. Participants engage in case studies, group exercises, safety simulations, and feedback sessions to reinforce learning. Real-world scenarios help develop the decision-making and analytical skills needed to manage workplace risks effectively. All activities are designed for adult learners, emphasizing collaboration and real-life relevance.

Course Toolbox:

Interactive workbooks covering risk assessments, safety signage, and controls

Access to a digital learning platform for extended study and resources

Templates for implementing workplace safety systems and checklists

Monthly newsletters with updates on legislation and safety performance strategies

Course Agenda:

Day 1: Introduction to Workplace Health and Safety

Topic 1: Scope and Nature of Workplace Health and Safety

Topic 2: Reasons for Practicing Good Health and Safety Standards

Topic 3: Importance of Safety Culture in Organizations

Topic 4: Types of Workplace Hazards and Incidents

Topic 5: Safety Terminology and Key Concepts

Topic 6: Health and Safety Information Sources

Reflection & Review: Proactive Safety Awareness

Day 2: Health and Safety Legislation and Compliance

Topic 1: Overview of Health and Safety Laws (UK and International)

Topic 2: Employer and Employee Responsibilities

Topic 3: Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance

Topic 4: Safety Policy Development and Implementation

Topic 5: Understanding Certification and Assessment Processes

Topic 6: Common Safety Signs and Symbols

Reflection & Review: Building a Legally Compliant Workplace

Day 3: Roles and Responsibilities

Topic 1: Health and Safety Roles: Officers, Supervisors, and Managers

Topic 2: Stakeholder Involvement in Safety Programs

Topic 3: Function of Safety Committees

Topic 4: Leadership for Performance Improvement

Topic 5: Safety Induction and Continuous Training

Topic 6: Case Study: Accountability Failures

Reflection & Review: Driving Responsibility and Accountability

Day 4: Incident Causation and Prevention Strategies

Topic 1: Models of Incident Causation (Domino, Swiss Cheese)

Topic 2: Types of Causes: Immediate, Root, and Underlying

Topic 3: Near Miss Reporting and Analysis

Topic 4: Designing Preventive Systems

Topic 5: Behaviour-Based Safety Programs

Topic 6: Common Failures in Safety Culture

Reflection & Review: From Reactive to Preventive Strategies

Day 5: Principles of Risk Assessment

Topic 1: Importance and Objectives of Risk Assessment

Topic 2: 5 Steps to Risk Assessment

Topic 3: Identifying Hazards in the Workplace

Topic 4: Risk Matrix and Scoring Techniques

Topic 5: Evaluating Control Measures

Topic 6: Documentation and Reporting Standards

Reflection & Review: Risk Management as a Decision Tool

Day 6: Risk Control Strategies

Topic 1: The Hierarchy of Controls Explained

Topic 2: PPE Selection and Limitations

Topic 3: Engineering and Administrative Controls

Topic 4: Isolation, Substitution, and Elimination Methods

Topic 5: Communicating Risk Control Measures

Topic 6: Toolbox Talks and Daily Briefings

Reflection & Review: Matching Controls to Risk Severity

Day 7: Hazardous Environments and Workplace Conditions

Topic 1: Equipment-Related Hazards and Safe Use

Topic 2: Slips, Trips, and Falls Prevention

Topic 3: Electrical Safety and Isolation Procedures

Topic 4: Transport and Vehicle Movement Hazards

Topic 5: Fire Safety and Protection Systems

Topic 6: Manual Handling and Ergonomic Best Practices

Reflection & Review: Mitigating Environmental Hazards

Day 8: Specialized Hazards and Emerging Issues

Topic 1: COSHH and Hazardous Substance Management

Topic 2: Noise and Vibration Exposure Risks

Topic 3: Thermal Stress, Ventilation, and Indoor Air Quality

Topic 4: Stress, Bullying, and Psychosocial Hazards

Topic 5: Technology-Driven Risks and Safety Innovation

Topic 6: Case Study: Modern Hazard Challenges

Reflection & Review: Evolving with New Workplace Risks

Day 9: Emergency Response and First Aid

Topic 1: Emergency Plans and Preparedness Strategies

Topic 2: First Aid Essentials and Kit Requirements

Topic 3: Evacuation and Incident Response Procedures

Topic 4: Emergency Roles and Responsibilities

Topic 5: Post-Incident Review and Debriefing

Topic 6: Tabletop Drills and Simulation Exercises

Reflection & Review: Confidence in Emergency Scenarios

Day 10: Course Review and Final Preparation

Topic 1: Review of Core Topics and Knowledge Check

Topic 2: Practice Questions and Case Study Application

Topic 3: Personal Presentations of Safety Strategies

Topic 4: Individual Feedback and Trainer Guidance

Topic 5: Performance Tips for Assessment Readiness

Topic 6: Final Evaluation and Certificate Briefing

Reflection & Review: Action Planning for Real-World Application

FAQ

Are there any prerequisites to attend this course?
No formal prerequisites are required. The course is ideal for individuals new to workplace health and safety or those seeking structured, practical training before pursuing professional certifications.

How long is each session and what is the total course duration?
Each daily session is 4–5 hours long, including breaks and activities. The total course spans approximately 40–50 instructional hours across 10 days.

How is this course different from other health and safety programs?
This course focuses on hands-on application, scenario-based learning, and readiness for real-world safety challenges. It also emphasizes psychosocial risks and leadership in safety—areas often underexplored in standard programs.