A new set of e-learning courses that provide delegates with the knowledge required to conduct or review health and safety risk assessments have been launched by the British Safety Council.

The e-learning courses can be used by employers to provide managers, supervisors and team leaders with a thorough understanding of how to carry out both general health and safety risk assessments and specific assessments for fire safety, manual handling, display screen equipment and the control of substances hazardous to health.

Upon completion of each course, delegates carry out an online risk assessment task linked to their workplace, and, subject to approval by an independent examiner, achieve a BSC Level 2 Award in Risk Assessment. This is a formal qualification accredited by Ofqual, the government-appointed qualifications regulator.

John Phillips, director of qualifications and standards at the British Safety Council, said: “Effective risk assessments are the cornerstone of good health and safety in the workplace, allowing employers to identify hazards and decide on the best ways of eliminating or controlling the risk of harm and accidents.

“These new e-learning courses are fully interactive, teaching the essential stages in the risk assessment process. They are also flexible, since risk assessors can study at a time and place that suits both them and their employer without the need to attend face-to-face, classroom training.”

Developed in line with Health & Safety Executive guidance on risk assessment, the e-learning courses feature a risk assessment ‘simulation’ with voiceover. This provides advice on how to complete the online risk assessment task required to pass the qualification.