NEBOSH HSE Award in Managing Risks & Risk Assessment at Work

People often refer to the NEBOSH HSE Award in Managing Risks and Risk Assessment at Work as the 'mini' NEBOSH General Certificate. It is a one-day introductory level certificate. It was co-developed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and NEBOSH. The course is based on the HSE five steps to risk assessment concept to control the risks related to workplace hazards.

The course aims to demystify the belief that risk assessment must be a complex and paper-heavy exercise. Instead, the course covers the process of risk assessment straightforwardly. This approach is to ensure delegates complete the course feeling confident and empowered. Learners will gain the skills to control health and safety risks within their workplaces effectively. The content is structured into three sections: why manage health and safety risks, identifying and controlling risk and sources of information, and the application of the HSE's risk assessment tool.

This NEBOSH course is assessed via a single practical assessment of four parts.

Part 1 of the coursework presents a partially completed risk assessment. This risk assessment will be based on a recognisable workplace scenario. The delegate must determine appropriate controls to reduce or mitigate the risks present.

Part 2 requires the delegate to prioritise the hazards and provide a rationale as to why. Any priorities should be based on reducing the risks in the risk assessment scenario in part 1.

In Part 3, the delegate will have to provide an opinion. It will be on what needs to be done once the risk assessment exercise has been completed. Some examples include implementing controls, staff supervision, or ongoing training for those at risk.

Part 4 requires the delegate to list the circumstances that would need the risk assessment to be updated. This NEBOSH practical assessment will measure the delegates' skills. Particularly the ability to apply the theory of the HSE's five steps to the risk assessment process in a familiar work environment.

The course involves six teaching hours, generally delivered over one full day. Tutors can provide the training either face to face or online via Zoom, WebEx or Microsoft Teams.

This course is relevant to anyone involved in managing health and safety risks within a workplace. It includes those who may be required to undertake risk assessments. Employee groups who may find the course beneficial include supervisors, managers, health and safety champions, and union representatives. Health and safety professionals may also benefit from selected employees being trained in this area. They will be able to act as their eyes and ears on the 'shop floor' to bring value to the risk assessment process.

The knowledge gained from this qualification aids delegates to identify hazards and assessing risks. It also helps to consistently evaluate likelihood and consequences whilst knowing how to identify suitable control measures. These skills will enable the delegate to contribute to a safer and healthier workplace.

No previous health and safety knowledge or experience is required to undertake this formation.

Despite significant efforts from businesses, accidents and incidents are still occurring at an alarming rate. This course provides employees with the knowledge and skills to bring about real change.

Employers who invest in this training for their staff feel very confident. Businesses will have trained their employees in the Health and Safety Executives' approach to health and safety risk assessment. They can also be sure that their business will have valuable in-house risk assessment expertise. This internal resource will ensure that risk assessments are undertaken and developed correctly. These benefits significantly contribute to creating a safe and healthy workplace for all.