Health and safety training is essential in today’s workplaces—regardless of industry. One of the most recognised entry-level qualifications is the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety. This course provides a solid foundation in workplace safety, helping individuals understand hazards, responsibilities, and safe working practices.
What’s Covered in This Article
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety is
- Who the qualification is designed for
- Key topics and units covered in the course
- Benefits for employees and employers
- How long the course takes and how it’s assessed
- Career opportunities after completing the qualification
- Whether the Level 1 Health and Safety Award is worth it
What Is the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety?
The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety is an introductory qualification designed to teach the basics of workplace health and safety. It is suitable for individuals with little or no prior knowledge and focuses on understanding hazards, risks, and legal responsibilities.
This qualification is recognised across industries such as construction, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and office-based roles.
Who Should Take the Level 1 Health and Safety Award?
This qualification is ideal for:
- New starters and entry-level employees
- Students and job seekers
- Apprentices and trainees
- Volunteers and part-time workers
- Anyone requiring basic health and safety awareness
No prior experience or qualifications are required.
What Does the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety Cover?
The course typically includes the following core areas:
1. Health and Safety Awareness
- Importance of workplace health and safety
- Employer and employee responsibilities
- Basic health and safety law
2. Workplace Hazards
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Fire safety principles
- Manual handling risks
- Hazardous substances and COSHH awareness
3. Risk Assessment Fundamentals
- What a risk assessment is
- Identifying hazards and risks
- Simple control measures
4. Accident Prevention and Reporting
- Safe working practices
- Accident and near-miss reporting
- Emergency procedures
Benefits of the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety
Improves Safety Awareness
Learners develop a strong understanding of common workplace hazards and how to avoid them.
Enhances Employability
Many employers prefer candidates with health and safety training, even for entry-level roles.
Builds Workplace Confidence
Knowing how to work safely helps employees feel more confident and capable.
Supports Legal Compliance
Employers benefit by ensuring staff understand basic safety responsibilities.
How Long Does the Course Take?
The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety usually takes half a day to one full day to complete. It can be delivered online or in a classroom setting.
Assessment is typically a short multiple-choice exam or written assessment.
Career Opportunities After Completing the Course
While it’s an entry-level qualification, it supports roles such as:
- General operatives
- Warehouse and factory staff
- Retail and hospitality workers
- Healthcare assistants
- Construction labourers
It also provides progression to Level 2 and Level 3 Health and Safety qualifications.
Is the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety Worth It?
Yes. It’s a cost-effective and time-efficient qualification that improves safety awareness, boosts employability, and supports safer workplaces.
Key Takeaways
- The Level 1 Award in Health and Safety is an entry-level qualification suitable for beginners
- It covers workplace hazards, risk assessment basics, and legal responsibilities
- No prior experience or qualifications are required
- The course is short, flexible, and easy to complete
- It improves employability and workplace safety awareness
- It provides a pathway to higher-level health and safety qualifications
At Think Construction Skills, we deliver industry-relevant training designed to help learners build confidence, improve site safety, and meet employer expectations.
Enroll today with Think Construction Skills and gain a recognised health and safety qualification that supports safer working practices and better job opportunities in construction and related industries.