HSA and ATU launch free H&S induction for SMEs

New online resource to assist employers in meeting their training responsibilities to new employees

IRELAND’s Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo have launched an online Workplace Safety, Health and Welfare Induction aimed at helping employers to deliver induction to new employees. The online induction comprises a suite of short awareness-raising courses which can be used along with workplace-specific training.

The Workplace Safety, Health and Welfare Induction consists of eight units covering a range of health and safety areas designed to help employees to stay safe while at work. Units 1 and 2 are compulsory and cover key employer and employee roles and responsibilities, as well as work-related stress. Units 3 to 8 are optional and can be selected as appropriate to the specific work environment. Topics include manual handling, ergonomics, housekeeping in the workplace, chemical safety, workplace transport safety, and noise and machinery.

Mark Cullen, interim chief executive of Health and Safety Authority, said: ‘This online induction resource will assist employers in meeting their training obligations toward employees. Employees should have a clear understanding of the risks in their workplace and the actions required to avoid workplace injury and ill health. The reduction of workplace injuries and fatalities in all sectors remains a priority for the Authority and we are very pleased to collaborate with ATU in making this free resource available to all.’

Dr Orla Flynn, president of Atlantic Technological University, said: ‘We are delighted to partner with the HSA in developing free learning supports for employers and employees, and in this case, employees new to the workplace. This free online induction will support those seeking to enter the workforce, as well as employers who wish to refresh their employees’ awareness of health and safety. It offers a high degree of flexibility as the course is available 24/7 and can be taken online from anywhere.’

Digital badges are awarded to learners for each unit taken. A certificate is also awarded to learners on successful completion of the course sections, which includes a short online assessment. A minimum score of 80% is required to pass. Once complete, learners can download their certificates, which employers can retain as part of training records. Employers can also register groups of employees to take the induction using the Group Manager facility.

The suite of online courses was developed as a collaboration between the Health and Safety Authority, Occupational Safety and Health lecturers in the Department of Environmental Science (ATU Sligo) and the Online, Flexible & Professional Development Unit (ATU). The online induction can be accessed on the HSA e-learning portal and on the ATU Free Courses portal.