Health and safety training is not just a legal requirement in Ireland; it is an investment in your workforce. From manual handling to fire safety, mental health awareness to risk assessment, the right training protects employees, reduces accidents, and creates a safer, more productive workplace.
This guide outlines the essential health and safety training courses that apply across industries, alongside sector-specific requirements. Whether you operate in healthcare, construction, manufacturing, retail, or hospitality, understanding your training obligations is the first step towards compliance and genuine workplace safety.
Why Health and Safety Training Matters: The Statistics
Irish Legal Framework: Your Training Obligations
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers have a statutory duty to provide health and safety training to employees. Section 10 of the Act specifically requires employers to ensure that:
- All instruction, training and supervision is provided in a manner, form and language that is reasonably likely to be understood
- Employees receive adequate health and safety training during working hours, without loss of pay
- Training is provided on recruitment, when tasks change, when new equipment is introduced, and when new technology is deployed
- Employee capabilities are taken into account when assigning tasks
Failure to comply can result in penalties up to €3,000,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 2 years under Section 77 of the Act.
Universal Training Courses (Applicable to All Industries)
Certain health and safety courses are beneficial, and often legally required, regardless of your industry sector. These foundational courses ensure all employees understand their responsibilities and can work safely.
Manual Handling Training
The most common cause of workplace injury in Ireland, accounting for 29% of all reported incidents. Manual handling training teaches safe lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling techniques to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Required under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 4 of Part 2.
Essential For
Risk Assessment Training
Section 19 of the SHWWA 2005 requires employers to identify hazards, assess risks, and document findings. Risk assessment training equips managers and supervisors with the skills to conduct thorough, legally compliant assessments.
Essential for developing and maintaining the Safety Statement required by law.
Essential For
Safety Awareness Training
A foundational course ensuring all employees understand their responsibilities under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the General Application Regulations 2007.
Covers hazard identification, reporting procedures, emergency response, and personal protective equipment.
Essential For
Fire Safety Training
Required under Section 11 of the SHWWA 2005 and the Fire Services Act 1981. Covers fire prevention, emergency evacuation procedures, fire extinguisher selection and use, and fire warden duties.
Essential for compliance with HIQA Regulation 28 in healthcare settings.
Essential For
Personal Safety / Lone Worker Training
With increasing numbers of employees working independently, either at business premises, remotely, or on the road, personal safety training is essential for managing the unique risks faced by lone workers.
Covers risk assessment, communication protocols, conflict de-escalation, and emergency procedures.
Essential For
Mental Health Awareness Training
Workplace wellbeing extends beyond physical safety. Mental health awareness training helps employees and managers recognise signs of mental health difficulties, reduce stigma, and create supportive workplaces.
Increasingly recognised as essential for comprehensive workplace health and safety.
Essential For
First Aid Training: How Many First Aiders Do You Need?
Under Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the General Application Regulations 2007, employers must provide first aid equipment and trained occupational first aiders based on risk assessment. The PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) certification is the recognised standard in Ireland, valid for 2 years.
| Workplace Type | Number of Employees | Minimum First Aiders Required |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Risk (Offices, Shops) | Up to 99 | 1 (if risk assessment indicates) |
| Low-Risk | 100 to 399 | 1 |
| Low-Risk | 400 to 699 | 2 |
| Low-Risk | 700+ | 1 per 300 additional employees |
| Higher-Risk (Construction, Factories, Quarries) | 50 to 149 | 1 |
| Higher-Risk | 150 to 299 | 2 |
| Higher-Risk | 300+ | 1 per 150 additional employees |
| Underground Mining | Any | 1 per 10 employees |
Source: HSA Guidelines on First Aid at Places of Work. Numbers are indicative; actual requirements depend on risk assessment outcomes.
Industry-Specific Training Requirements
Sector-Specific Obligations
Beyond universal courses, certain industries have additional mandatory or strongly recommended training requirements:
Construction
- Safe Pass (Mandatory): 1-day SOLAS programme, valid 4 years
- CSCS Cards: Skills certification for plant operators
- Working at Height
- Scaffolding Safety
- Confined Spaces
- Asbestos Awareness
Healthcare
- Patient/People Moving and Handling
- Fire Safety (HIQA Regulation 28)
- Infection Prevention and Control
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
- Medication Management
- Evacuation Equipment Training
Manufacturing
- Machine Guarding
- Lock Out / Tag Out (LOTO)
- Chemical Safety / COSHH
- Forklift / Powered Industrial Trucks
- Noise and Vibration Awareness
- PPE Selection and Use
Hospitality
- Food Safety / HACCP
- Fire Safety
- Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention
- Kitchen Safety
- Allergen Awareness
- Responsible Service of Alcohol
Retail
- Manual Handling
- Fire Safety
- Cash Handling Security
- Customer Conflict Resolution
- Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
- Ladder Safety
Agriculture
- Tractor and Machinery Safety
- Livestock Handling
- Chainsaw Operation
- Pesticide Application (QQI)
- Slurry and Confined Spaces
- Child Safety on Farms
Training Refresher Requirements
| Course Type | Validity Period | Refresher Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe Pass (Construction) | 4 years | Full 1-day course | Mandatory |
| Occupational First Aid (PHECC FAR) | 2 years | Recertification course | Mandatory |
| Manual Handling | 3 years (typical) | Half-day refresher | Recommended |
| Fire Safety / Fire Warden | 1 to 2 years | Annual refresher recommended | Recommended |
| CSCS Cards (Plant Operators) | 5 years | Renewal assessment | Mandatory |
| Food Safety (HACCP) | 3 years (typical) | Refresher course | Recommended |
When Must Training Be Provided?
Under Section 10 of the SHWWA 2005, training must be provided:
- On recruitment: Before new employees begin work or as part of induction
- When transferred: When employees move to new roles or tasks
- On introduction of new equipment: Before employees use new machinery or systems
- On introduction of new technology: When work practices change due to technology
- When risks change: Following incidents, near-misses, or changes in hazards
Bespoke Training: Tailored to Your Business
Generic training has its place, but the most effective health and safety programmes are tailored to your specific workplace, hazards, and procedures. Phoenix STS offers bespoke training that incorporates your policies, equipment, and organisational goals.
Site-Specific Content
Training tailored to your actual workplace hazards and procedures
Policy Integration
Your safety policies and emergency procedures incorporated
Equipment-Focused
Training on the actual equipment your staff use daily
Compliance Assurance
Meets all legislative requirements while addressing your specific risks
Benefits of Comprehensive Health and Safety Training
- Reduced accidents and injuries: Trained employees are safer employees
- Lower insurance premiums: Demonstrable training programmes can reduce employer liability costs
- Improved productivity: Fewer accidents mean less downtime and absence
- Legal compliance: Avoid fines, prosecution, and reputational damage
- Enhanced morale: Employees value employers who invest in their safety
- Better recruitment: A strong safety culture attracts quality candidates
Key Takeaways
- Training is a legal obligation: Section 10 of the SHWWA 2005 requires employers to provide adequate health and safety training
- Manual handling is the leading cause of injury: 29% of all reported workplace injuries in Ireland
- Universal courses apply to all sectors: Manual handling, fire safety, risk assessment, safety awareness
- Industry-specific training is essential: Construction requires Safe Pass; healthcare requires patient handling
- Refresher training matters: First aid (2 years), Safe Pass (4 years), and regular manual handling refreshers
- Bespoke training delivers best results: Tailored programmes address your specific workplace risks
- Documentation is critical: Keep records of all training for compliance and inspection purposes
Phoenix STS Training Courses
Phoenix STS delivers CPD-accredited health and safety training across Ireland, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.
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Arrange Health and Safety Training for Your Team
Phoenix STS delivers CPD-accredited health and safety training across Ireland. Whether you need standard courses or bespoke programmes tailored to your workplace, our expert trainers combine theoretical knowledge with practical application to ensure genuine competence.
References
Disclaimer
This article provides general guidance on health and safety training requirements in Ireland. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice or legal interpretation. Training requirements may vary based on specific workplace risks, industry sector, and the outcomes of risk assessments. Always consult the Health and Safety Authority guidance and seek professional advice for your specific circumstances.
