Why Refresher Health and Safety Training is Essential for Every Business

Investing in Health and Safety Training is one of the most important steps a business can take to protect its workforce. However, training should not be treated as a one-time event. Regular Refresher Health and Safety Training ensures employees remain competent, confident, and compliant with the law. Whether delivered as Online Training, Classroom Training, or fully Bespoke Health and Safety Training, refreshers are essential to building a safe, productive, and legally compliant workplace.

Why refresher health and safety training matters

Knowledge and skills naturally fade over time, and employees can quickly forget the finer details of health and safety procedures. Health and Safety Training refreshers reinforce best practice, reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities.

Workplaces also change. New equipment, processes, and materials often introduce fresh risks. Without updated training, employees may be unaware of these hazards. A programme of bespoke training designed around the unique risks of your business ensures employees stay prepared and capable of working safely.

Regular refresher training also sends a clear message: safety matters. By investing in training led by specialist trainers, organisations show that they care about their people, which improves morale, strengthens culture, and reduces staff turnover.

The legal duty for refresher training

Employers in the UK are legally required to provide adequate health and safety training. This includes refreshers where necessary. Key legislation includes:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 – Places a duty on employers to protect employees, with training as a core requirement.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – Regulation 13 requires employers to provide Health and Safety Training at induction, when risks change, and when refresher training is needed.
• Industry-specific regulations such as COSHH, PUWER, and the Working at Height Regulations all demand ongoing competence through suitable training.

The HSE is clear: refresher training must be provided “as often as necessary” to ensure competence.

Choosing the right type of Health and Safety Training

Not all training is the same, which is why employers should choose the right method for their workforce.

• Classroom Training – Delivered face-to-face by specialist trainers, this is ideal for practical skills, group discussions, and interactive learning.
• Classroom Health and Safety Training – A structured approach that ensures employees understand legislation, hazards, and safe systems of work.
• Online Training – Flexible, cost-effective, and accessible from anywhere, online courses are perfect for refresher Health and Safety Training. Staff can complete modules at their own pace and revisit content whenever needed.
• Bespoke Training – Tailored to the risks in your workplace, bespoke Health and Safety Training ensures relevance and maximises impact. From construction and manufacturing to offices and care, a customised programme ensures employees learn exactly what they need.
• Blended Training – Combining Online Training with Classroom Health and Safety Training offers the best of both worlds.

By working with specialist trainers who understand your industry, you ensure that refresher courses deliver real-world value and meet legal obligations.

How often should refresher training take place?

While the law does not specify exact intervals, common practice includes:

• First Aid Training – Full requalification every 3 years, with annual skills refreshers.
• Fire Safety, Manual Handling, Asbestos Awareness, Working at Height – Every 1–3 years, depending on risk.
• High-risk industries – More frequent refreshers may be required.

Employers should review workplace hazards and set a training schedule that keeps employees competent and compliant.

Final thoughts

Refresher Health and Safety Training is not a box-ticking exercise — it is a vital part of protecting employees, meeting legal duties, and creating a culture of safety. Whether delivered through Online Training, Classroom Health and Safety Training, or Bespoke Training led by specialist trainers, regular refreshers give employees the confidence and skills to stay safe at work.

By investing in the right type of training at the right time, businesses not only comply with UK legislation but also build safer, stronger, and more productive workplaces.