The Role of Employee Training in Health and Safety Compliance in 2026

Training has always been a cornerstone of effective health and safety management, but its importance has grown in recent years as regulators demand demonstrable competence across every level of an organisation.

Effective health and safety training starts with understanding the risks employees face in their specific roles. Generic sessions may raise awareness, but they rarely equip staff with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to real-world hazards.

Training must be tailored to the tasks employees perform, the equipment they use, and the environments they work in. It must also be accessible, engaging, and capable of being retained and applied in practice.

For managers and supervisors, training carries additional responsibilities. They must be competent to monitor and enforce safe working practices, conduct risk assessments, and investigate incidents effectively.

Their ability to model safe behaviours and intervene when procedures are not followed is central to creating a safe workplace. In 2026, regulators will increasingly scrutinise the competence of management, recognising that strong leadership is key to effective compliance.

Training is not a one-off event. Legal requirements, workplace conditions, and equipment evolve, and training must evolve with them.

Refresher sessions, competency checks, and updates in line with regulatory guidance are essential. Organisations are expected to provide evidence that training is ongoing, documented, and relevant to current risks.

Equally important is fostering a culture where employees feel confident applying what they have learned. Training should encourage staff to identify hazards, report concerns, and participate in safety improvement initiatives.

A workforce that understands and values safety contributes to a proactive environment where risks are managed before they escalate into incidents.

Documentation is critical. Records of training attendance, content, assessments, and follow-ups demonstrate compliance and provide a resource for continuous improvement. These records are often the first thing regulators review when assessing an organisation’s health and safety performance.

Ultimately, training is not just about compliance, it is about empowerment. Well-trained employees are better equipped to make safe decisions, protect themselves and their colleagues, and contribute to a workplace where health and safety is embedded into every process.

In 2026, organisations that invest in high-quality, role-specific, and continuous training will not only meet legal obligations but also achieve safer, more efficient operations and a stronger reputation with both regulators and employees.

If you are ready to make sure your team are fully trained and compliant, speak to our team about our online and in person training options today.