Health and Safety in Care Homes Training Course

Health and safety is a fundamental responsibility in care homes. Staff, residents, visitors, and professionals all rely on robust systems, clear procedures, and confident practice to ensure a safe environment. When health and safety is managed effectively, risks are reduced, wellbeing is promoted, and high-quality care can be delivered consistently.

This free Health and Safety in Care Homes Training Course provides care staff and managers with a clear understanding of legal requirements, roles and responsibilities, risk assessment, and practical safety measures specific to residential care settings.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Care homes present unique health and safety challenges, including manual handling, infection risks, medication safety, fire hazards, and safeguarding responsibilities. All staff must understand how to work safely, recognise hazards, and respond appropriately to incidents and emergencies.

This free course will help you to:

• Understand key UK health and safety legislation relevant to care homes
• Know your legal duties and responsibilities as an employer or employee
• Identify common hazards and assess risks effectively
• Follow correct procedures for incident reporting and whistleblowing
• Apply safe moving and handling practices
• Respond appropriately to emergencies such as fires, accidents, and sudden illness
• Maintain safeguarding and data protection standards

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Explain key health and safety legislation affecting care homes
• Understand the role of the Health and Safety at Work Act and related regulations
• Identify employer, manager, and employee responsibilities
• Carry out and follow risk assessments in care home settings
• Recognise common hazards and apply control measures
• Understand health and safety systems and compliance requirements
• Report incidents correctly, including RIDDOR requirements
• Apply safe moving and handling techniques
• Follow emergency procedures, including fire safety
• Understand safeguarding duties and data protection responsibilities

Health and Safety in Care Homes Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding Health and Safety Legislation
Learners will explore the key health and safety legislation that applies within care home settings. This module explains the purpose and relevance of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Learners will also understand the role of Care Quality Commission standards in promoting safe, high-quality care, alongside specific duties under RIDDOR 2013 and COSHH regulations. The module builds a clear understanding of the legal framework that underpins safe practice in care homes.

Module 2: Roles and Responsibilities in Health and Safety
This module focuses on who is responsible for health and safety in care homes and what those responsibilities involve. Learners will examine the duties of employers and managers in creating and maintaining safe systems of work, as well as the responsibilities of employees to follow policies and procedures. The importance of teamwork, communication, and shared accountability in maintaining a safe environment for residents, staff, and visitors is emphasised.

Module 3: Risk Assessment and Hazard Management
Learners will develop an understanding of risk assessment and its role in preventing harm in care homes. This module explains how to identify common hazards such as slips, trips, falls, burns, and sharps injuries. Learners will explore how risks are assessed, recorded, and controlled, and how control measures reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Practical application of risk assessment principles is reinforced to support safer day-to-day practice.

Module 4: Health and Safety Systems
This module explores how effective health and safety systems are developed and maintained within care homes. Learners will understand the importance of clear policies, procedures, training, and monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance with health and safety requirements. The module highlights how consistent application of protocols supports a proactive safety culture and continuous improvement.

Module 5: Incident Reporting and Whistleblowing
Learners will examine how incidents, accidents, and near misses should be reported and recorded in line with legal and organisational requirements. This module explains reporting duties under RIDDOR, the importance of accurate incident records, and how information is shared appropriately. Learners will also explore whistleblowing policies, understanding how staff can safely raise concerns about unsafe practice or wrongdoing without fear of reprisal.

Module 6: Moving and Handling Residents Safely
This module focuses on safe moving and handling practices within care homes. Learners will understand correct manual handling techniques, the purpose and safe use of moving and handling equipment, and the importance of training and competence. The module emphasises protecting both residents and staff from injury while maintaining dignity and comfort during transfers and repositioning.

Module 7: Emergency Procedures
Learners will explore how care homes prepare for and respond to emergencies. This module covers procedures for accidents and sudden illness, as well as fire safety measures, including fire risk assessments, prevention strategies, and evacuation procedures. Learners will understand the importance of staff training, drills, and correct use of emergency and fire safety equipment to ensure a safe and effective response.

Module 8: Safeguarding and Data Protection
In the final module, learners will examine safeguarding responsibilities within care homes and their importance under the Care Act 2014. This includes recognising abuse, following safeguarding procedures, and protecting residents from harm. The module also explores data protection and confidentiality, ensuring that personal information is handled lawfully, securely, and respectfully as part of safe and ethical care practice.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Care assistants and support workers
• Senior carers and team leaders
• Care home managers and deputies
• Domestic, catering, and maintenance staff
• Anyone working in or supporting residential care settings

It is suitable for new starters, refresher training, and ongoing CPD.

FAQ

How long does the course take to complete?
Most learners complete the course in 1 hour, depending on experience and pace.

Is this course relevant to CQC requirements?
Yes. The course aligns with CQC expectations and UK health and safety legislation for care homes.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is provided on successful completion.

Is this course suitable for non-care staff?
Yes. The course is relevant to all staff working in care homes, including ancillary and support roles.

Effective health and safety practice protects residents, staff, and organisations. It reduces harm, supports dignity, and ensures that care homes remain safe, compliant, and supportive environments.

Enrol on the Health and Safety in Care Homes Training Course today

Build safer workplaces, protect residents, and meet your legal responsibilities with confidence.