EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NEBOSH IGC

In this fast-paced world, we often neglect the time to recognize the hazards and risks we face daily. Whether commuting or driving to work, we encounter various risks that can impact our well-being. Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) is an integral part of our everyday lives, yet it remains a field that is often overlooked by the civilians.

The Importance of HSE in Daily Life

The field of HSE has been established for decades, with governments and organizations implementing laws, regulations, and policies to enhance safety and reduce environmental risk levels. HSE encompasses policies and instructions on identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing prevention protocols. It utilizes the Deming wheel, adopting the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle to help companies control and continually improve their safety standards.

Government Regulations and Legal Obligations in HSE

Governments worldwide enforce laws and policies related to HSE. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines for companies. Governments are focused on reducing preventable incidents, and in the event of an accident affecting employees or the public, the organization involved will be scrutinized. If found to have neglected safety standards, the organization may face legal action.

The Role of NEBOSH in Occupational Health and Safety

The Occupational Health and Safety Act was first passed in 1970, followed by the Health and Safety at Work Act in 1974. NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) made its mark in the field in 1979 and has since been a trendsetter in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

Overview of the NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC)

Based in the UK, NEBOSH offers a wide range of safety courses, from beginner to advanced levels. NEBOSH is internationally recognized, and its certifications are not only accepted worldwide but also highly valued. Learners who complete NEBOSH courses often find better job opportunities, particularly in industries considered hazardous. NEBOSH has worked tirelessly to create safer work environments, especially in high-risk industries.

Core Skills, Knowledge, and Career Opportunities with NEBOSH IGC

One of NEBOSH’s most well-known and in-demand courses, pursued by over 170,000 people, is the International General Certificate (IGC). The course has been curated and updated with the input of thousands of leading experts and organizations, making it one of the most respected OHS courses in the world. The IGC course is designed to meet the current needs of high-risk industries, equipping learners with the skills required by today’s employers.

The core skills learners will acquire through the IGC include:

• Justify health and safety improvements through moral, financial, and legal perspectives.
• Advise on essential health and safety duties and manage contractor safety effectively.
• Implement and maintain a robust health and safety management system, ensuring clear policies and responsibilities.
• Cultivate a positive health and safety culture to enhance organizational performance.
• Conduct comprehensive risk assessments, identify hazards, evaluate risks, and recommend effective control measures.
• Identify and manage workplace changes that impact health and safety.
• Develop and implement safe systems of work, including the use of permit-to-work systems for high-risk activities.
• Participate in incident investigations and assess the effectiveness of safety management systems through monitoring and audits

The course also offers numerous benefits:

Benefits for You:

• Boost your professional credibility with a globally recognized safety qualification.
• Open up career advancement opportunities in health and safety roles.
• Gain a competitive edge in the job market with specialized knowledge.
• Build a strong foundation for pursuing advanced safety certifications.
• Increase your earning potential by becoming a valuable asset in safety management.

Benefits for Your Employer:

• Ensure legal compliance, reducing the risk of penalties and liabilities.
• Lower costs associated with workplace incidents and employee ill-health.
• Enhance overall safety culture, leading to higher productivity and employee satisfaction.
• Improve risk management practices, minimizing potential hazards and disruptions.
• Strengthen the company’s reputation as a safe and responsible employer, attracting top talent and clients

Assessment Structure of the NEBOSH IGC

The International General Certificate is divided into two parts: IG1 and IG2. IG1 covers the theoretical aspects of Health and Safety Management, while IG2 focuses on practical applications through various systems. These two parts have separate assessments.

The first assessment for IG1 is an Open Book Examination (OBE) that learners must complete and submit within 24 hours. The exam consists of scenario-based questions that learners can answer using internet sources and course materials. However, copying content is not allowed; learners must understand and interpret the material to solve the exam.

The second assessment for IG2 is a practical project in Occupational Health and Safety, which learners must complete in their workplace or a public space based on the course’s parameters. The evaluation methods for these assessments differ: the OBE is graded with marks, while the practical project is graded on a “Pass or Refer” basis. The marks are categorised as Refer (0-44), Pass (45-64), Credit (65-74) and Distinction (75+). If a learner receives a “Refer” result for IG1 or IG2, they must retake the assessment. The course requires 65 hours to complete, and learners have five years to clear both assessments.

The Global Recognition and Value of NEBOSH IGC

A distinctive aspect of the NEBOSH IGC is that anyone interested in a career in Health and Safety can pursue this course. It provides an in-depth understanding of Health and Safety practices and builds a solid foundation for newcomers to the field.

The course is also suitable for existing safety professionals, such as managers, supervisors, coordinators, and anyone in the field with safety responsibilities. As safety has become a crucial aspect of every industry, the demand for safety professionals has increased significantly. Over 90% of industries seek professionals with IGC qualifications due to the course’s professional-international recognition and SQA accreditation. The course enhances job opportunities, particularly for those looking to work in high-risk industries or abroad, such as in the Middle East.

The Future Pathway: Advancing in Safety Training with NEBOSH

In summary, pursuing the NEBOSH IGC significantly enhances your credentials for a career in Occupational Health and Safety. It opens pathways to advanced safety courses and equips you with highly sought-after skills that improve workplace safety, support risk management, and uphold legal, ethical, and economical safety standards. The IGC course also teaches how to minimize workplace injuries and illnesses, boost employee well-being, reduce risk rates, identify safety issues, and develop effective solutions. With NEBOSH IGC training, learners gain a comprehensive understanding of managing health and safety, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and establishing a solid foundation for further advancement in the safety field.