Rethinking safety

EFFECTIVE TRAINING is fundamental to protecting people, products and processes, as well as maintaining compliance. With a variety of training options available, finding the right one in a crowded marketplace can be challenging. However, choosing the right partner is critical: one that delivers recognised accreditations and clear guidance in line with ever-evolving regulations and expectations.

But another key consideration and focus area for businesses is mental health training. No longer a nice-to-have, but a real issue that can have significant impact on a business. And with a growing expectation from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in this area, it’s no longer one to be sidelined.

Mental health training is coming to the fore

Mental health, and its impact on an organisation, is a growing area of concern for many businesses. In RS’s 2025 Health & Safety report ‘Improving the Standard’, while 73 per cent of respondents said they have a strategy for mental health support, only 53 per cent cited confidence in provision in this area. But it’s an area that cannot be overlooked. 

The 2024/25 statistics on work-related ill health and workplace injuries, released by the HSE, showed that an estimated 1.9 million workers suffered from work-related ill health during that period. Additionally, mental health conditions remain the primary driver of work-related ill health. The working days lost to this place significant pressure on both workers and businesses.

Charlotte Knight-Mclean, director of Advanced Safety Group – training partner to RS Safety Solutions – said: “There have been some significant regulatory updates with regard to mental health in the workplace in the last several years, with a focus not only on reactive support but also preventative action. HSE guidance mandates employers assess and manage work-related stress as a health and safety risk. There is a legal duty on employers to protect their staff from stress induced by workplace activities, and because of this many businesses are choosing to perform stress-based risk assessments, along with introducing training around the topic and support within the workplace. 

“As a result, we have seen a significant increase in take-up of training in this area, as more and more businesses want to comply. In addition; as part of the updated First Aid regulations, it is expected that employers will have a facility to deal with mental ill health in the workplace. The easiest way to comply with this is to introduce mental health training in the workplace – The Mental Health First Aider.”

But Charlotte warns not all training providers offer nationally recognised qualifications in this area. HSE expect employers to keep records of due diligence checks on providers who do not offer regulated qualifications, including checks on elements like course content, instructor experience and qualifications. This can be time-consuming and difficult. Charlotte says it is far easier for businesses to choose regulated providers, which means all this is done for them.  

The benefits of a mental health strategy on a business must not be underestimated. Charlotte said: “Looking after the mental wellbeing of employees is a regulatory and moral obligation, but it can also help dramatically reduce working days lost to mental health symptoms. And it has a positive effect on staff recruitment and retention. Staff who feel the business cares about their wellbeing can be less likely to take time off and overall, it can increase a business’s productivity. There is a real business case for focusing on this area.”

Occupational health becoming HSE focus area

While there has always been regulation around the employer’s duty to protect workers from ill health resulting from business activities, HSE is becoming more vigilant and stricter with businesses of all sizes including smaller businesses who may have previously been given leeway in this area. Charlotte says there is currently a significant push on respiratory testing requirements in food production businesses. With airborne particles from products like flour, sugar and spices requiring the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), the associated face-fit and lung function testing must be completed to ensure that individuals exposed to these hazards are properly protected in the first instance. Then, they need to be regularly monitored to ensure their lung health is not deteriorating. 

Performing these activities can help businesses comply with their legal duties under Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). This principle applies to all businesses that have staff working in environments where they can be potentially exposed to hazards like dust, noise and vibrations.

She said: “There are many screening services available, from lung function tests through to audio tests, that employers can use to ensure their employees aren’t coming to harm in their work roles. They are mandatory, and are carried out on-site by trained technicians, with medical sign-off. It’s a relatively simple process employers must not overlook, to remain compliant as the HSE levels up its focus on this area, and to meet the goal of keeping workers safe.”

Using a solutions provider that reminds a business when certifications or tests are due for renewal can also help reduce some of the compliance burden and prevent any safety gaps. Choosing a provider offering a renewal reminder service can ease the administrative load and pressure on health and safety managers.

Not all training is creating equal

When choosing a health and safety training provider, finding one offering courses regulated by highly regarded organisations is a good first step. Courses that are regulated by Ofqual and SQA are generally considered the gold standard, and represent the benchmark for accreditation in helping employers meet their legal health and safety obligations.

Opting for a provider that is well-established and can offer a depth of experience in the field is also advised. A training specialist that demonstrating a strong track record will have the breadth of knowledge and expertise to apply the right training solution for the organisation’s needs will be beneficial. Vast knowledge of the constantly changing regulations is also crucial, to ensure all training meets the most up-to-date regulatory requirements. And those with multi-sector knowledge will understand and be able to advise on compliance specific to that sector.

Health and safety training is no longer a tick-box: it has a direct effect on the organisation’s compliance. RS’s report highlighted training and development as the most impactful factor on compliance, cited by 69 per cent of the 545 survey respondents working in health and safety roles across the UK and Ireland.   

Working with training providers that also have strong partnerships with providers of safety solutions and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can also optimise compliance. Taking an integrated view of products in line with training means the right ones can be provided for the best overall protection. This is particularly pertinent in industries where processes or standards could be more stringent, like food and beverage. This joined-up approach to training and products can help health and safety professionals navigate some of the difficulties they experience in PPE procurement.

Charlotte concluded: “When health and safety professionals are already facing challenges like skills shortages, budget restrictions and expanding responsibilities, working with trusted partners and solutions providers that can help shoulder some of that weight can make a genuine difference to their load. It’s also crucial in the quest to remain compliant under growing scrutiny, and maintain the wellbeing of their workforce, for the good of both the people and business profitability.”

For more information, visit www.rs-safety.com