Qualification Structure

The RSPH Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 9 hours and 7 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Assessment for the RSPH Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace is assignment-based. Learner work is assessed in accordance with the qualification’s assessment and quality assurance requirements to ensure that learners demonstrate the required knowledge and understanding of workplace health and safety principles.

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

Core Study Units

Unit: Health and Safety in the Workplace

On successful completion of this unit, the learner will be able to:

• Understand roles and responsibilities for health, safety and welfare in the workplace.
• Understand how risk assessments contribute to health and safety.
• Understand how to identify and control the risks from common workplace hazards.
• Know the procedures for responding to accidents and incidents in the workplace.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The RSPH Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace is designed for learners who need a recognised foundation in workplace health and safety principles, hazard awareness and risk control. RSPH states that the qualification is suitable for people in employment, individuals starting work for the first time or with a new employer, and young people preparing for work experience. There are no restrictions on candidate entry.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Employees and new starters: Learners who need to understand workplace health and safety responsibilities, safe working practices and common hazards.
• People changing employers or roles: Individuals entering a new workplace who need to develop awareness of workplace risks, procedures and safety responsibilities.
• Young people preparing for work experience: Learners who want a structured introduction to health and safety before entering a workplace.
• Workplace safety-conscious learners: Individuals seeking knowledge of hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control, emergency procedures and accident reporting.
• Employees across different sectors: The qualification covers common hazards such as manual handling, machinery, electricity, fire, hazardous substances, noise, vehicles, slips, trips and falls, making the knowledge applicable across a range of workplace environments.
• UK and international learners: The qualification provides a foundation in workplace health and safety concepts that can be applied across varied employment settings, while learners working in specific jurisdictions should also understand the health and safety legislation applicable to their country or workplace.

The qualification is also relevant for learners intending to develop their workplace health and safety knowledge before progressing to a higher-level health and safety qualification. RSPH identifies progression to the RSPH Level 3 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace as one possible progression route.

Career Opportunities

The RSPH Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace provides learners with a strong foundation in essential workplace health and safety principles. The qualification develops knowledge of health and safety responsibilities, risk assessment, hazard identification and risk control, workplace welfare, emergency procedures, and accident and incident management. It is suitable for learners in the UK and internationally seeking to develop practical workplace safety knowledge and prepare for employment, workplace responsibilities, or progression to higher-level health and safety qualifications.

Future Progression

The RSPH Level 2 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace provides learners with a foundation in workplace health and safety principles that can support employment, workplace responsibilities and further health and safety learning. The qualification develops knowledge of health and safety responsibilities, risk assessment, hazard identification, risk control, emergency procedures, workplace welfare, and accident and incident management.

Academically, learners may progress to higher-level health and safety qualifications, subject to the entry requirements of the receiving qualification or institution. The knowledge gained can also provide a useful foundation for further learning in occupational health and safety, workplace risk management, environmental health, and related disciplines.

Professionally, this qualification can support learners working towards roles where workplace safety awareness is relevant, such as Health and Safety Assistant, Health and Safety Administrator, Safety Coordinator, Workplace Safety Representative, Site Safety Assistant, Facilities Assistant, and other operational roles. Career progression depends on additional qualifications, practical experience, employer requirements, and the specific responsibilities of the role.