Qualification Structure

The Qualsafe Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 5 hours and 4 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the Qualsafe Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace (RQF) is conducted through assignment-based assessment. Learners are required to complete the assessment requirements set for the qualification, with their work assessed and quality assured in accordance with Qualsafe Awards' requirements through the approved centre.

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete the one mandatory unit.

Core Study Units

Understanding Health and Safety in the Workplace

By completing this unit, learners will be able to:

1. Understand the importance of health and safety in the workplace
   • State what is meant by health and safety at work.
   • Recognise key health and safety terminology, including accident, near miss, hazard, risk, control measures and risk assessment.
   • State the main legal responsibilities of employers and employees concerning health, safety and welfare in the workplace.
2. Understand the scope of hazards and risks in the workplace
   • Indicate the hazards and risks associated with:
     • Slips, trips and falls
     • Working at height
     • Manual handling
     • Hazardous substances
     • Machinery and vehicles
     • Electricity
     • Fire
     • Stress
3. Understand the range of workplace conditions that can affect health and safety
   • Identify the benefits of maintaining a tidy and well-organised workplace.
   • State the importance of suitable environmental conditions, including temperature, lighting, ventilation, air quality and noise control.
   • Recognise the welfare facilities that should be provided in the workplace.
   • Identify different classes of health and safety signage and understand what they mean.
4. Understand the requirements for workplace procedures
   • Recognise the importance of reporting accidents, ill health, dangerous events and near misses.
   • Identify the purpose of first-aid provision in the workplace.
   • Identify different types and uses of personal protective equipment (PPE).
   • Recognise the importance of personal hygiene in the workplace.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The Qualsafe Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace (RQF) is designed for individuals who need a foundational understanding of workplace health and safety. As an introductory Level 1 qualification, it is suitable for learners from a wide range of sectors and workplace environments.

This qualification is particularly suitable for:

• New employees who need to understand basic workplace health and safety responsibilities and safe working practices.
• Individuals entering employment for the first time who want to develop essential workplace safety knowledge.
• Employees returning to work who want to refresh or strengthen their understanding of workplace health and safety.
• Learners with limited or no previous health and safety training who want an accessible introduction to the subject.
• Employees who need to recognise common workplace hazards, understand risks and contribute to safer working practices.
• Workers across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, warehousing, retail, hospitality, offices, facilities management and other workplace environments.
• Employers and organisations seeking to provide employees with structured introductory health and safety knowledge.
• International learners who want to develop a recognised foundation in workplace health and safety through an Ofqual-regulated RQF qualification.
• Learners planning to progress to further health and safety education and higher-level occupational health and safety qualifications.

Career Opportunities

The Qualsafe Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace (RQF) provides essential knowledge of workplace hazards, risks, responsibilities, and safe working practices. This Ofqual-regulated qualification is suitable for individuals across a wide range of sectors and provides a foundation for further health and safety learning.

Future Progression

The Qualsafe Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace (RQF) provides a strong foundation for learners who want to develop workplace safety knowledge and progress towards further health and safety education. It is particularly useful for individuals beginning their careers, changing roles, or seeking a formal introduction to workplace health and safety.

Academically, learners can use the qualification as a starting point for further health and safety training and higher-level qualifications, subject to the entry requirements of the next programme or awarding organisation. Progression may include Level 2 health and safety qualifications and, with appropriate experience and further study, more advanced occupational health and safety programmes.

Professionally, the qualification can support progression into workplace roles where health and safety awareness is essential, including Health and Safety Assistant, Safety Administrator, Workplace Safety Representative, Site Support Worker, Warehouse Operative, Construction Worker, Manufacturing Operative, and Facilities Assistant. With further qualifications, practical experience, and professional development, learners can work towards more specialised health and safety responsibilities and career pathways