The importance of health & safety training in the workplace

Health & safety training is essential for keeping your business compliant with the law and ensuring the safety of your employees.

First published on Monday, December 16, 2024

Last updated on Friday, September 12, 2025

A summary of this article:

Definition

Health and safety training refers to a specific type of staff training focused on health and safety in the workplace.

Benefits

Health and safety training ultimately ensures that your staff know their responsibilities in keeping themselves, others, and their environment safe.

Online training

Online e-learning courses are some of the most accessible options for health and safety training for staff.

H&S software for training

With expert training courses within an all-in-one health and safety software solution, businesses can ensure training is regularly provided to staff.


Health and safety training in the workplace applies to all businesses. Helping to keep the workforce safe from hazards, preventing accidents and emergencies, and guaranteeing legal compliance with current health and safety standards.

In this guide we explore the importance of health and safety training for businesses. Discovering the online training solutions that can make training your staff as simple and accessible as possible.

Health & safety training for employees

Health and safety training helps to keep all relevant parties aware of their responsibilities within the workplace. Educating both employees and employers on best practices in various situations to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of all who may enter a workplace or participate in work-related activities.

Training is often split into different areas of interest, covering a huge number of topics. Ranging from first aid training to manual handling and accident reporting.

While some courses are not applicable to all members of your team, it’s best to offer as much health and safety training as possible to ensure that all your employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve a safer workplace for all.

The benefits of health & safety training

By completing the necessary training courses your business and your team can benefit from:

  • A reduced number of workplace accidents, incidents, and emergencies.

  • A safer workplace for all employees and visitors.

  • Upskilling of staff, particularly in industries where courses are required to complete certain tasks and job roles.

  • Compliance with legal requirements

  • Remove the risk of failed health and safety audits and inspections.

  • Greater business reputation and working relationships with stakeholders, partners and other businesses.

Health & safety courses online

Online health and safety training courses have become one of the most popular ways to access relevant health and safety training for employers and employees. Quick, simple and accessible, e-learning can be completed on various desktop and mobile devices without the need for you or your staff to leave your work premises.

Not only do these courses save you time, but with so many free courses available they will save your business money too!

Industry-specific H&S training courses

Industries in Canada with a higher number of workplace hazards and wokrplace injury rates include transportation and storage, manufacturing, construction, loggings, and fishing. Businesses exposed to more workplace hazards than others will require more than just the basic health & safety training. This is why with our BrigthSafe learning management system we offer industry-specific online training courses for a range of industries.

For example, for businesses in the construction industry we offer the following health & safety e-learning courses in Canada:

  • Asbestos awareness

  • Working at height awareness

  • Work equipment awareness

  • Abrasive wheels awareness

By completing specific courses, you can rest assured knowing that your employees are trained on the specific health and safety risks and hazards relevant to your industry.

Not only will this maintain a safe working environment, but this training ensures your business is legally compliant with current health & safety legislation.

Complete health & safety e-learning courses with BrightHR

The health and safety of your business is a serious topic. Getting it wrong can be the cause of potentially life-changing or even fatal incidents. Providing your employees with relevant information and educational training courses can make the difference between a dangerous workplace and a safe workplace.

Safeguard your business with BrightSafe today. Access and assign courses to your employees, covering a range of topics for different businesses and industries. Free with your BrightSafe package. These courses are regularly updated and maintained to ensure your business is legally compliant and up to date on current best practices.

Book your free demo today to discover essential H&S e-learning that protects your business.


Hanaan Parkinson-Ramsbottom

Health & Safety Advisor

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