Health & Safety Essentials – A Practical Guide for Safer Workplaces

Build a safe, compliant, and confident workplace.

This comprehensive course, delivered by the Healthcare Professional Institute (HCPI), provides a complete foundation in UK health and safety law and best practice. Whether you are a new employee, a supervisor, or a business owner, this course equips you with the practical knowledge and confidence to meet legal duties and protect everyone in the workplace.

What the Course Covers – Module by Module

Module 1: Introduction to Health & Safety in the Workplace

The first module sets the stage, explaining why health and safety is non-negotiable in the UK. You will learn how the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 transformed workplace protections and how the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) became the regulator safeguarding millions of workers. With historical context and up-to-date statistics, this module makes clear why embedding safety into culture is vital to saving lives, avoiding fines, and improving productivity.

Module 2: Legal Responsibilities – Employers & Workers in the UK

This module explores who is covered under the UK safety law and breaks down the duties of both employers and employees. You will see what “so far as is reasonably practicable” really means in practice, and how duties under laws like RIDDOR 2013, COSHH 2002, and Manual Handling Regulations 1992 apply day to day. It also highlights whistleblowing protections and the right of workers to be informed and consulted about safety, giving you clarity on both rights and responsibilities.

Module 3: Enforcing Standards & Reporting Workplace Hazards

From this module, the focus will shift to how laws are enforced in the UK. You will gain insight into the role of HSE inspectors, what to expect during an inspection, and the difference between improvement and prohibition notices. Real-world case examples show the financial and reputational costs of non-compliance. You will also learn the correct channels for reporting hazards safely, whether internally, anonymously, or directly to the HSE, and why a culture of reporting strengthens organisations rather than undermines them.

Module 4: Whistleblower Protection & Worker Support Resources

Safety depends on open dialogue, yes, in this module you will explore how the protections of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 works and what counts as unlawful retaliation. You will understand the practical steps for raising concerns, both internally and externally, and examine employers responsibilities in protecting whistleblowers. It also points you to key UK resources such as the HSE toolbox, COSHH e-tools, Acas guidance, IOSH training, ensuring you know where to find ongoing support long after completing the course.

Final Assessment

The course concludes with a structured assessment to evaluate your knowledge across all chapters. Successfully completing the quiz earns you a certificate of your understanding of UK health and safety essentials and a valuable addition to your professional portfolio.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is designed for:

Employees entering UK workplaces for the first time.
Supervisors, managers, and safety reps responsible for compliance.
Self-employed professionals and contractors needing legal awareness.
Organisations looks to upskills their workforce with CPD-recognised training.

Why Choose HCPI Training?

Practical & Accessible – Real examples, plain-English explanations, and quizzes.
UK-Law Aligned – Covers HSWA, COSHH, RIDDOR, and other key regulations.
Flexible Online Learning – Study anywhere, anytime, at your own pace.

Health and Safety is more than a legal requirement; it is the foundation of a productive and resilient workplace.