January provides the perfect opportunity for businesses to review workplace safety, refresh skills, and plan training. After a busy festive period and the start of new projects, it’s vital to ensure your workforce remains confident and competent. Refresher training at the start of the year can help prevent incidents, address gaps in knowledge, and set a strong foundation for a safe and productive year.
The Importance of Refresher Training
Even experienced employees can forget key safety procedures over time or develop unsafe habits. Refresher courses in First Aid, Fire Safety, Manual Handling, and IOSH Managing Safely are essential to keep staff skills sharp and ensure compliance with regulations. Scheduling refresher training in January ensures your team begins the year fully prepared for their roles, reducing the risk of accidents and workplace incidents.
Refresher training also helps employees stay updated with the latest legislation, best practices, and industry-specific safety guidance. For sectors like care, manufacturing, construction, or food and drink, this ensures your workforce continues to meet the high standards required for compliance and safety excellence.
Listening to Your Team
Engaging with your staff about their confidence levels and identifying areas where additional training may be required is essential in understanding where your team is at. Encourage team members to share what aspects of safety they find challenging or where they feel less confident. This feedback helps tailor training sessions to meet your workforce’s specific needs, making your safety programmes more effective and relevant.
By discussing training needs early in the year, employers can create a targeted plan. Addressing gaps in knowledge, reinforcing good practices, and ensures everyone feels equipped to handle emergencies or daily hazards.
Plan Your Training for the Year Ahead
A proactive approach to training in January allows you to map out your health and safety initiatives for the entire year. Consider a schedule that includes:
-
First Aid refresher courses for staff with existing certifications nearing expiry
-
Fire Safety training to reinforce evacuation procedures and marshal roles
-
Manual Handling updates to prevent injuries
-
IOSH Managing Safely or sector-specific courses for team leaders and supervisors
Booking early helps ensure availability and allows your team to balance development alongside operational priorities. It also demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing, boosting morale and confidence.
Start the Year Confident and Compliant
We deliver practical, accredited courses across multiple sectors, including care, construction, manufacturing, and food production. Our expert trainers work with you to tailor sessions to your team’s needs.
Contact us to plan your 2026 training programme and give your workforce the confidence to succeed safely.
