In the UK almost all Professionals working in health and safety would agree that when it comes to developing the skills to assume the responsibility of managing safety and welfare in work, an individuals ideal starting point should be the NEBOSH General Certificate. The NEBOSH General has over the years become a standard in the UK. The award is suitable for most industries. Everything from construction to manufacturing and provides a thorough grounding for individuals wishing to manage the safety of employees in the workplace.
The award has three examinations NGC1 which deals with managing Health and Safety at work, NGC2 which shows candidates how to control hazards they find in the workplace and NGC3 which involves the undertaking of a practical risk assessments in the students place of work. NGC 1 and 2 are both assessed by a two hour exam which is always held at registered NEBOSH centre. While NGC3 is a practical project. Students are able to take each element separately however the certificate is only awarded after successful completion of each element.
NGC 1 covers the foundation of Health and Safety management
1- Health and Safety Management -Foundations
2 – Health and Safety Management Systems – Policy
3 – Health and Safety Management Systems – Organizing
4 – Health and Safety Management Systems – Planning
5 – Health and Safety Management Systems – Measuring, Audit and Review
NGC2 concentrates on the proper control of hazards in the workplace
1 – The Control of Workplace Hazards and Risks
2 – The Control of Transport Hazards and Risks
3 – Musculoskeletal Hazards and Risk Control
4 – The Control of Work Equipment Hazards and Risks
5 – Electrical Safety
6 – Fire Safety
7 – The Control of Chemical and Biological Health Hazards and Risks
8 – The Control of Physical and Psychological Health Hazards and Risks
NGC3 is concerned with the practical application of Health & Safety:
Part 1 – Carry out unaided, an Inspection of a Workplace, identify Hazards, decide if they are adequately controlled and, where necessary, suggest an appropriate and cost effective remedial action.
Part 2 – Prepare a report that urges management to take appropriate action, explain why such action is needed (including references to breaches of legislation) and identify, the proper remedial measures that should be taken.
Companies run the course over ten days. There are four fixed examination dates through the year, in March, June, September and December although many centres offer examinations at different times to suit candidates
The qualification has recently seen a huge uptake in Wales, especially in Swansea and Cardiff with businesses happy to invest in staff development and training again. And Health and Safety being a priority.
NEBOSH release no specific numbers as to the pass rates in the Cardiff and Swansea areas or even for Wales as a whole, but nationally in September’s exam the average pass mark in the UK for NGC1 was 69%, NGC2 was 80% and students passed NGC3 at a rate of 90%.