Health and safety awareness helps people recognise everyday risks and understand the safe ways of working that apply to their role. For Irish employers, the starting point is the work being done: identify what could cause harm and make sure staff understand the controls and procedures in place.
A useful briefing reflects the actual workplace. A warehouse team may need clear routes for moving goods, while an office team may need guidance on slips, trips, workstation set-up and reporting hazards. In construction, retail and hospitality, risks and emergency arrangements can differ from one site to another. Keep information practical and specific to the work people do.
Employees should know how to report a hazard, near miss or injury, who is responsible for safety matters, where to find workplace procedures and what to do if an alarm sounds. Induction is a good time to explain site rules, emergency exits, first-aid arrangements and any equipment or protective measures relevant to the role. Revisit the information when work, equipment or the workplace changes.
Awareness sessions are one part of a wider approach to managing workplace risk. They do not replace suitable risk assessment, safe work procedures, supervision or equipment. Employers should consider what instruction and training are appropriate for each task, and check that people understand how to apply it in practice.
For manual handling, assess the task and consider whether it can be avoided or made safer through changes to the load, layout, equipment or work method. Training can support safe practice, but it should not be treated as the only control. Read the Health and Safety Authority guidance on managing manual handling risk.
Record what information or training was provided, when it took place and who attended. Ask staff to explain the key steps in their own words or demonstrate a procedure where appropriate. This helps identify gaps before they become routine. Review arrangements after an incident, a change in process or feedback from the people carrying out the work.
ACE Health & Safety Training offers Manual Handling and Fire Safety Training for individuals and Irish workplace teams. Review the course information and contact ACE to discuss the training format, group arrangements and suitability for your staff’s roles. For other training needs, choose a provider and programme that match the risks and requirements of your workplace.
