What is IOSH?
If you’ve heard colleagues mention IOSH training, you may be wondering: what is IOSH and why does it matter for workplace safety? Let’s break it down clearly.
What does IOSH stand for?
IOSH stands for the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. It is the world’s largest chartered membership organisation for health and safety professionals, with more than 48,000 members across 130 countries. Established in 1945 and granted a Royal Charter in 2002, IOSH sets recognised standards for protecting people at work.
What is IOSH’s role?
IOSH acts as a professional body, providing guidance, qualifications, and advocacy to improve health and safety across industries. Its mission is to ensure every worker goes home safe, healthy, and fulfilled at the end of the day. That means IOSH courses are designed not just for compliance, but to embed safer practices into everyday work.
What is an IOSH course?
IOSH courses are globally recognised training programmes that build competence in managing workplace risks. At Ouch Learning and Development, we deliver a full suite of IOSH courses, each tailored to different roles and responsibilities:
- IOSH Leading Safely® – Starting from £294.00 (inc. VAT). Designed for business leaders, this course helps directors and senior managers take control of their organisation’s health and safety strategy.
- IOSH Managing Safely® – Starting from £477.60 (inc. VAT). Aimed at managers and supervisors, this course equips leaders to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls.
- IOSH Managing Safely® Refresher – Starting from £226.80 (inc. VAT). Keeps managers’ knowledge up to date with the latest legislation and best practice.
- IOSH Working Safely® – Starting from £202.80 (inc. VAT). Designed for employees at all levels, this course covers essential safety basics and responsibilities.
Most IOSH courses include:
An introduction to health and safety responsibilities
Learners gain a clear understanding of legal duties, accountability, and how health and safety fits into their role and organisation.
Hazard identification and risk assessment
Practical guidance on spotting common workplace hazards, evaluating risks, and deciding on suitable control measures.
Accident prevention and incident reporting
How accidents happen, why near misses matter, and the importance of reporting and investigating incidents properly.
Health and safety legislation explained simply
An overview of relevant UK regulations, explained in plain English so learners understand what compliance looks like in practice.
Improving safety culture and behaviour
Courses focus on influencing positive behaviour, encouraging safe working practices, and embedding safety into everyday decisions.
Practical assessments
Most IOSH courses include short assessments, such as multiple-choice tests or workplace-based projects, to confirm understanding and application.
Whether it’s IOSH Working Safely® for employees or IOSH Managing Safely® for managers, the emphasis is always on practical learning rather than theory-heavy study. That’s why IOSH qualifications are trusted by organisations worldwide and recognised by employers across multiple sectors.
These courses are practical, concise, and tailored to real workplace scenarios, making them accessible across sectors from construction to healthcare.
What level is IOSH Managing Safely?
IOSH Managing Safely is considered a Level 2 qualification in the UK framework. It provides a solid foundation for managers who need to take responsibility for health and safety but do not require the depth of a NEBOSH qualification. It’s often the first step for organisations looking to strengthen compliance and culture without overwhelming learners.
Why IOSH matters for your organisation
Think about it: if your team understands how to spot risks early, respond correctly, and comply with regulations, you reduce incidents and improve productivity. IOSH training helps organisations:
- Build confidence in managers and supervisors
- Reinforce safe behaviours across teams
- Demonstrate compliance with UK health and safety legislation
- Create a culture where safety is part of everyday work
Why choose Ouch for IOSH training?
At Ouch Learning and Development, we make IOSH training straightforward and effective. Our expert trainers:
- Deliver courses with practical examples and industry insight
- Ensure content is clear, jargon‑free, and relevant to your sector
- Support your organisation in meeting compliance requirements with confidence
Ready to explore IOSH training for your team? Let’s talk about how we can tailor a course to fit your needs.
References
For further reading and official guidance: