Do you need a fire marshal?
If you’re responsible for fire safety in your workplace, you may have wondered: do I need a fire marshal? The answer depends on your premises, your…
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Health & Safety Advice and News
Explore top tips, additional information and helpful insights on a range of health and safety training courses on our blog!
How often is first aid training required?
If your business has trained workplace first aiders, it’s important to make sure their training remains current and their skills stay up to date. So…
How Many First Aiders Does My Business Need?
If you’re responsible for health and safety in your business, you may have asked yourself: how many first aiders does my business need? The answer…
How to Get a First Aid Certificate
If you’re looking to become a qualified first aider, one of the first questions you may have is: how do you get a first aid certificate? The process…
How to Ensure Legal Compliance with Health & Safety Training
Health and safety training plays an important role in helping businesses meet their responsibilities and protect their employees. However…
Do Fire Wardens Need Training?
If you’ve been asked to become a fire warden at work, you may be wondering whether you need to complete specific training before taking on the role…
Who Is Responsible for Fire Safety Awareness?
Fire safety is an important part of running any workplace, but who is actually responsible for making sure employees understand fire safety? It’s a…
How Long Does First Aid Training Take?
If you’re looking into first aid training for yourself or your employees, one of the first questions you’re likely to have is: how long does first…
How Long Does a First Aid Certificate Last?
If you’ve completed a first aid training course for work, you may be wondering how long your certificate is valid for and when you’ll need to renew…
What Are the Most Common Workplace Health and Safety Violations in the UK?
Workplace health and safety is a legal requirement for every business in the UK, regardless of size or industry. However, despite clear legislation…
What Is the Difference Between a Fire Marshal and a Fire Warden?
If you’re responsible for workplace safety, you’ve likely come across the terms fire marshal and fire warden. In many businesses, the two are used…
What I’ve Learned From Training Thousands of Employees in First Aid
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of training thousands of employees in first aid across a wide range of industries. From offices and warehouses…
What Happens During a Health and Safety Inspection?
We understand that the thought of a health and safety inspection can be daunting. Questions such as “Have we got everything in place?”, “What will…
How Much Does a Fire Risk Assessment Cost in the UK?
If you’re responsible for a business premises, one of the questions you may be asking is: How much does a fire risk assessment cost? The answer is…
What Happens If My Business Doesn’t Have Health and Safety Training?
For many business owners, health and safety training can feel like another item on an already long to-do list. However, failing to provide…
How Often Should Employees Receive Manual Handling Training?
Manual handling is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries in the UK. From lifting and carrying to pushing, pulling and moving objects…
Why Practical Fire Safety Training Saves Lives
Fire safety is one of the most critical aspects of workplace health and safety, yet many employees still receive only theory-based training. While…
What Happens During a Health & Safety Day?
A Health & Safety Day is a fully immersive, practical training experience designed to improve workplace awareness, confidence, and real-world safety…
Fire Extinguisher Training: Why Practical Training Matters
When it comes to workplace fire safety, having fire extinguishers on site is only part of the solution. The real question is would your team feel…
What is First Aid Training?
First aid training is the process of learning the essential skills needed to respond to accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies before…
What Is The Difference Between IOSH Managing Safely and Behavioural Science For Leadership
When exploring IOSH health and safety training courses, two highly valuable options for managers and leaders are IOSH Managing Safely and IOSH…
How to Plan Your Annual Training Budget
As we move into Q2, it is an ideal time for businesses to review their health and safety training requirements and plan their annual training budget…
What Is The Difference Between a Fire Warden and Fire Marshal?
Fire safety is a critical part of workplace health and safety. Most businesses appoint responsible individuals to help manage fire risks and ensure…
How Often Should Workplace Safety Training Be Refreshed?
Workplace safety training refresher courses are essential to ensure employees remain confident, competent, and aware of current safety procedures…
How Staff Training Improves Workplace Safety Culture
A strong workplace safety culture is built through consistent communication, clear expectations, and effective training for staff. When employees…
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a fundamental element of workplace safety, designed to identify potential fire hazards, evaluate the risks they pose, and…
Choosing The Right IOSH Training For Your Team
Investing in health and safety training is essential for protecting your workforce, improving compliance, and creating a safe working environment…
What does a Fire Mashal do?
A Fire Marshal or Fire Warden are essential for maintaining safety and compliance in the workplace. These trained professionals are responsible for…
Preparing Your Team for Winter Hazards in the Workplace
Winter can bring a range of hazards to the workplace, from cold temperatures to reduced daylight and seasonal illnesses. For businesses, preparing…
How to Make Health & Safety a Top Priority in 2026
As we enter 2026, businesses across all sectors are looking for ways to improve workplace efficiency, compliance, and employee wellbeing. One of the…
The Benefits of Early-Year Safety Audits and Staff Training
As we start a new year, businesses across all sectors have the perfect opportunity to review their health and safety practices. Conducting early-year…
How Refresher Training Sets Your Team Up for Success
January is the perfect time to review workplace health and safety. After the busy holiday period, it’s important to ensure your team starts the year…
Start the New Year Safe: Why January Is the Best Time to Update Your Training
January provides the perfect opportunity for businesses to review workplace safety, refresh skills, and plan training. After a busy festive period…
Winter Workplace Safety: How to Protect Your Staff
Winter brings a unique set of workplace risks that can significantly impact employee safety, productivity, and overall wellbeing. As temperatures…
Essential First Aid Skills for the Workplace
Every workplace, regardless of industry, should prioritise first aid training. First aid skills not only ensure compliance with health and safety…
Why Every Workplace Needs Regular Fire Safety Refresher Training
Health and safety requirements are always changing, which can make it hard to workplaces to keep up. Even seasoned employees can lose touch with key…
1st Choice Safety Training Strengthens Its Commitment to Food & Drink Sector Safety
We are proud to announce that we have been officially approved by the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD). This recognition marks an…
Cold Weather and Working at Height: How to Stay Safe This Winter
Working at height carries inherent risks, and these risks increase significantly during the colder months. Ice, snow, and wet surfaces can make…
Why Every Business Needs a Trained First Aider
When an accident or medical emergency happens in the workplace, every second counts. Having a trained first aider on site can make the difference…
Essential Fire Safety Practices for Care Homes
Fire safety is a critical priority in care homes. Protecting residents, staff, and visitors requires effective fire safety practices tailored to the…
How IOSH Managing Safely Training Can Improve Workplace Safety
One of the most effective ways to achieve a positive and safe working environment is through the IOSH Managing Safely course. IOSH Managing Safely is…
Top 5 Risks of Working in Confined Spaces (and How Training Can Reduce Them)
Working in confined spaces is one of the most hazardous tasks in many industries, from construction and utilities to manufacturing and facilities…
Why Every Workplace Needs a Fire Marshal (and Proper Training)
Every organisation, no matter the size or sector, must take fire safety seriously, and appointing trained Fire Marshals (also known as Fire Wardens)…
Essential First Aid Skills Every Care Worker Should Have
In the care sector, ensuring the health and safety of residents is a fundamental responsibility. Whether working in a care home, supported living…
Essential Equipment for Safe Working at Height
Working at height is one of the most high-risk activities in the workplace, with falls remaining a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities…
First Aid Kit Essentials for Every Workplace
Every workplace needs a well-stocked first aid kit. In an emergency, quick access to the right first aid kit contents can prevent a minor injury from…
Fire Doors vs. Standard Doors: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to building safety, not all doors are created equal. While standard internal doors may suit everyday use, fire doors are specially…
What Is the IOSH Managing Safely Course and Who Needs It?
Health and safety is a concern in every workplace, and employers have a legal and moral duty to protect their employees. The IOSH Managing Safely…
What To Expect On a Fire Marshal Training Course
Fire safety is essential in all workplaces and a crucial part of protecting people and property. Fire marshals play a vital role in upholding safety…
What Is First Aid Training? A Comprehensive Guide
First aid training is an essential life skill that equips individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond to medical emergencies. Whether…
On-Site vs Online Training: Choosing the Best Fire Safety Course for Your Workplace
When it comes to ensuring your staff are fully prepared to deal with fire-related emergencies, the way fire safety training is delivered can be just…
Fire Safety in Care Homes: Why This High-Risk Sector Needs Special Attention
The care sector is among the highest-risk environments when it comes to fire safety. With vulnerable residents, complex building layouts, and high…
How Often Should You Conduct Fire Safety Training in Your Workplace?
Fire safety training is a legal and practical necessity for every business, but understanding how often it should be refreshed isn’t always…
The Cost of Poor Manual Handling: How to Protect Your Team
Poor manual handling practices are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in the UK. In fact, manual handling injuries account for 17% of…
Fire Hazards in the Workplace: How to Identify and Reduce Risks
Fire safety is a vital concern for every business. Workplace fires can cause serious injuries, extensive property damage, and costly business…
How to Prevent Back Injuries at Work: Essential Manual Handling Tips
Back injuries are a leading cause of workplace absenteeism in the UK, often resulting from improper manual handling techniques. Implementing…
Can Fire Safety Training Be Done Online? Pros & Cons of Virtual Courses
Fire safety training is a legal requirement for all UK businesses under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Employers must ensure their…
What are the key elements of safety training?
Fire safety training is essential for every workplace, ensuring that employees know how to prevent fires, respond to emergencies, and comply with UK…
What to Expect from a Fire Awareness Training Session
Fire safety is not just a legal requirement; it’s a vital component of workplace safety that can save lives and protect your business. At 1st Choice…
Fire Marshal Training: How to Equip Your Staff With Life-Saving Skills
When a fire emergency strikes, the seconds and minutes that follow can make all the difference. Employees must act swiftly, calmly, and efficiently…
Winter hazards at work: Preventing slips, trips, and falls
As winter sets in, businesses face an increased risk of slips, trips, and falls, particularly as icy conditions, wet floors, and snow create hazards…
Common manual handling mistakes and how to avoid them
Manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying, or moving heavy objects, are integral to many workplaces. However, improper techniques can lead to…
Why is manual handling training important for employees?
Manual handling is an essential part of many jobs, but it also comes with a significant risk of injury. In fact, the majority of work-related…
What is a fire risk assessment and why does your business need one?
Fire risk assessments are a crucial part of ensuring the safety of your workplace or building. In the UK, they are a legal requirement for all…
Does E-Learning have a role to play in your overall Health & Safety Training?
As a company, we would encourage companies to utilise either face to face or our virtual classroom (via Microsoft teams or Zoom) training as the…
How to know if you are overloading your electrics during the Christmas Period?
Festive Fire Hazards: Safeguarding Your Home During the Holidays The festive season is a time for joy, laughter, and family gatherings. However…
Understand how mirrors cause fires when it’s sunny
Why You Shouldn’t Put Mirrors Near Windows When It’s Sunny Mirrors can help to brighten up a room, but they can also be a fire hazard. When mirrors…
Why is industry specific manual handling training important?
Industry specific manual handling training is important because it takes into account the specific hazards and risks associated with manual handling…
Should you use Firefighters to carry out your companies fire training?
As a company, ALL of our fire trainers have had operational experience within a Fire and Rescue Service. There are many reasons why you should use…
How our safety services have changed due to ‘Working from Home’ and ‘Hybrid Working’
Covid 19 was obviously very bad in many ways. But in industry, it demanded that we change or die. In many of the businesses that we provide services…
Site Safety Days
Site Safety Days This time last week, we were deep into one of the services that we don’t often talk about, but really should!!! For the 3rd year…
How to tell if your Fire Door is compliant and legal
It’s Fire Safety Week again and in our experience, knowledge of Fire Doors is vitally important in any commercial fire strategy. Why are Fire Doors…
Join me in becoming a forces friendly employer
To serve in the armed forces can be one of the most fulfilling and proudest times of your life. It certainly was for me. I served for 9 years in the…
Ten reasons why businesses will choose health and safety distance learning
Ten reasons why businesses will choose health and safety distance learning. Even before Covid-19, distance learning and training was on the rise, and…
Mental health issues at work: spotting the signs during lockdown
Reason for the problem We’re currently facing a perfect storm in mental health and wellbeing at work. The pressures during lockdown and how they’re…
Are you or your extension leads putting you and your family at risk from fire?
Misuse of extension leads is a common cause of fires in the home. Do you know how to use them safely? Watch this short video for some help and…
Using Doors to keep your family safe from fire.
Will your standard doors that are found in most homes protect you? The answer is Yes! (for a limited amount of time) How will they help you? In most…
What 3 Words free app
The What 3 Words app is an amazing free app that has unlimited uses. Whether your children are lost and don’t know where they are or you come across…
Home Fire Escape Plan
Fire in the Home Escape Planning People are aware that most businesses and public venues, must, by law, create a plan to facilitate everyone to…
Why choose 1st Choice for your Fire Training?
At 1st Choice Safety Training & Consultancy, we will ALWAYS provide fire trainers with either current or previous Fire Service experience. This means…
Why your company should provide manual handling training
Manual handling training is a necessary part of keeping safety levels high within the workplace, especially with manual handling related injuries…
Fire Safety in Residential Care Homes
The danger fire presents is a popular understanding to all but many people may be surprised as to how these occurrences present themselves in our…
Why you need to have emergency first aid in the workplace – A must read!
Whether you work within an office or a shop, emergency first aid at work qualification is an important addition to your working environment. When it…
Why is learning about health and safety so important?
No matter what business you are working for, there will always be a risk for accidents and injuries to your self or your fellow colleagues. This is…
Supporting World Mental Health Day – October 2018
Highlights from September’s Mental Health Course
As many of you may be aware, last week we held our third Mental Health First Aid course at the Leicester Tigers Rugby Club, and yet again it was a…
Book Your Space At Our Mental Health Awareness Course Today!
Mental Health related issues in the workplace are becoming an increasing concern and need to be addressed early to protect the health and wellbeing…
Importance of mental health awareness in the workplace
Mental-health related issues are more common than most of us think, with approximately 6.5 million adults in the UK suffering from a mental health…
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