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brendan1495  
#1 Posted : 06 November 2024 10:22:11(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
brendan1495

Hi All,

I am a Health and Safety Trainer, at the moment I deliver Manual Handling/ COSHH Awareness & IOSH Managing Safely, I have noticed more and more companies going to online courses instead of classroom based, generally due to cost, ease of access etc. Obviously I am a little biased as a trainer but I think a Manual Handling course for example with demonstrations/ activities and manual handling aids is a lot more benificial than a four hour online course. My question really is, is the role of the H & S trainer becoming redundent as I see more and more online courses claiming (and they may be right) that they meet all HSE requirements.

Let me know your views

Brendan

Martin Fieldingt  
#2 Posted : 06 November 2024 10:39:41(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Martin Fieldingt

Hi Brendan,

Having previously been both a CIEH trainer and IOSH managing Safely trainer, I would say that I agree. The opportunity to give anecdotal evidence based on experience, tailor the course to your audience, and answer any questions, is lost on online courses.

I have seen someone gain IOSH Managing Safely by the online method and can't see that the same level of examination was required to pass. IOSH used to use a marking system during the risk assessment project, that was very harshly marked.

Regards,

Martin

thanks 1 user thanked Martin Fieldingt for this useful post.
brendan1495 on 06/11/2024(UTC)
PDarlow  
#3 Posted : 06 November 2024 11:00:33(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
PDarlow

My view is that training in the world of H&S is a self-perpetuating money maker taking advantage of situation caused by those employers who only wish to gain compliance rather than to achieve a tangible positive difference, whether it be online or face to face. Call it a cynical viewpoint but if those who regulate, member organisations and those considered as leaders in the industry are happy to recommend e-learning for everything and anything, it all boils down to money and not much else.

There are some decent trainers out there because no one is the same and no one is equal.

thanks 2 users thanked PDarlow for this useful post.
brendan1495 on 06/11/2024(UTC), peter gotch on 06/11/2024(UTC)
Gill Beattie  
#4 Posted : 06 November 2024 11:02:26(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Gill Beattie

Hi Brendan1495,

In short yes. I am worried about practical competence too.  IOSH and NEBOSH going online for qualifications have opened the doors to industry standards being an accepted virtual standard (as long as they prove they have taken on board the information that has been presented to them for example, in the form of a questionnaire or exam). I am a consultant and encourage online training for workplace staff inclusive 'awareness'.  I expect everyone within a business to refresh their knowledge annually for the core OHS standards eg prevention of fire practices; good standards in H&S housekeeping, slip, strips, falls, identifying poor electrical wiring; know the risks of COSHH products on site and whatever that business hazard presents. 

This is why it is attractive for businesses to have elearning services in nicely wrapped packages which is a cheap cost. It includes all subjects the business requires to cover and can prove they have done the basic training (tick box for them and me).   However, from this basic core grounding within any industry, the job tasks need to prove competence and expereience. Im my opinion this is when the Level 3's or higher are accessed (online or face to face) providing more depth. 

Practical manual handling unfortuantey is descretion to the company as they could train via various means eg shadowing, specialist workshop, inhouse training. Again as long as they can prove that the core / key information is being delevered, understood and practiced, the company will be classed as compliant. So in answer to your question i believe it will be the good practicing companies that see the advantages for having the face-to-face sessions and unfortunately the penny savers that will always go with the cheap short-sighted option. It is proven on many research papers the advantages of face to face training which could be a pull for your plea.

Thank you for sharing

Edited by user 06 November 2024 11:35:05(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

thanks 2 users thanked Gill Beattie for this useful post.
brendan1495 on 06/11/2024(UTC), peter gotch on 06/11/2024(UTC)
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