Key Updates to Health & Safety Qualifications in UK & Ireland

The landscape of occupational health and safety in the UK and Ireland is continuously evolving, driven by new legislation, emerging workplace risks, and a deeper understanding of employee well-being. In response, leading qualification bodies – the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) – have been actively updating their course offerings. These revisions aim to ensure that health and safety professionals are equipped with the most current knowledge and skills to foster safer and healthier working environments.

Recent statistics underscore the critical need for robust health and safety training. In Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported 1.9 million workers experiencing work-related ill health in 2024/25, with stress, depression, and anxiety accounting for 964,000 cases – a record high. Additionally, 680,000 non-fatal workplace injuries were recorded in the same period. In Ireland, provisional figures from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) show a concerning rise in work-related fatalities, with 58 deaths in 2025, a 61% increase from 36 in 2024. These figures highlight the persistent challenges and the importance of up-to-date qualifications in mitigating risks.

IOSH: Enhanced Focus on Mental Health and Sustainability

IOSH, a globally recognised professional body, is refining its qualifications with a particular emphasis on practical application and contemporary issues. The flagship IOSH Managing Safely course, widely respected for managers and supervisors, is undergoing a refresh. While core principles of risk assessment and control remain central, the updated syllabus places greater emphasis on mental health and well-being, recognising the growing importance of psychological safety in the workplace.

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing: The revised programme will delve deeper into identifying and managing work-related stress, promoting positive mental health, and understanding employer responsibilities under regulations such as the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (UK) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (Ireland).
  • Environmental Sustainability: With increasing corporate responsibility, the updated course will explore the intersection of occupational safety and environmental management, highlighting the role of managers in promoting sustainable practices.
  • Technological Advancements: New modules are expected to address safety implications arising from emerging technologies, including automation, artificial intelligence, and new forms of remote working.

These enhancements are designed to provide a more holistic understanding of health and safety management, moving beyond traditional physical hazards. The updated IOSH Managing Safely is expected to be fully implemented by late 2024. IOSH's strategic vision, 'WORK 2022-2027', underscores a commitment to driving change in the occupational safety and health profession, focusing on sustainability, technological innovation, and a proactive approach to risk.

NEBOSH: Adapting to Modern Hazards and Digital Assessments

NEBOSH qualifications are also undergoing continuous review to ensure their syllabi and assessments remain focused on the essential knowledge and skills for health and safety professionals. The NEBOSH National General Certificate (NGC), a foundational qualification, continues to update its content to reflect current legislation and emerging hazards.

  • Updated UK/Irish Legislation References: Ensuring all legal references are current, reflecting any amendments to acts like the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (UK) and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (Ireland).
  • Emphasis on Human Factors: A stronger focus on understanding human behaviour, organisational culture, and their impact on safety performance is being incorporated.
  • Digitalisation of Assessments: NEBOSH continues its transition towards digital assessments, with many units now featuring open-book examinations and scenario-based questions, reflecting a more practical application of knowledge.

Furthermore, NEBOSH revised its Health and Safety Management for Construction qualification for 2025 to address key industry risks. The UK version of this qualification is aligned with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. This update incorporates feedback from learners and industry experts and includes topics like fatigue and inspectors' powers. In 2023/24, 51 fatalities occurred in Great Britain's construction industry, representing 37% of all work-related deaths, underscoring the importance of targeted training in this sector.

Related training: If you are looking to qualify as a trainer in this area, see fire safety instructor training or explore working at heights trainer courses for nationally recognised UK and Ireland qualifications.

The NEBOSH National and International General Certificates in Occupational Health and Safety have also been reviewed and updated for 2026, with teaching of the revised syllabus beginning on 2 February 2026.

QQI: Alignment with Irish Regulatory Frameworks

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) plays a crucial role in ensuring that health and safety training in Ireland aligns with national regulatory frameworks and addresses specific national concerns. The QQI Level 5 Safety and Health at Work course (5N1794) provides a formal qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) for individuals seeking to enter or advance in health and safety roles.

QQI periodically reviews its Common Awards System (CAS) specifications for various health and safety programmes, from basic awareness to more advanced supervisory roles. These reviews ensure that learning outcomes remain relevant to the Irish regulatory environment and address high-priority areas such as agricultural and construction safety.

The updated QQI framework for its Level 6 'Train the Trainer' award (Training Delivery and Evaluation (6N3326) and Training Needs Identification and Design (6N3325)) introduces revised assessment criteria, learning outcomes, and a strengthened focus on blended and online delivery methods. This update aims to further professionalise the training and development sector across the Republic of Ireland. For instance, the QQI Level 6 qualification is considered the recognised standard in Ireland for Manual Handling Instruction, demonstrating a trainer's competence to deliver and assess training, and is widely accepted by employers and the HSA.

Keeping abreast of these qualification updates is not merely about certification; it's about fostering safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces across the UK and Ireland. For those looking to undertake these updated qualifications, Abertay Training at https://www.abertaytraining.co.uk offers a range of accredited courses.