There are certain professions that require an in-depth knowledge of health and safety principles. These include industries where the risk of accidents is high, such as the construction business, mining and oil production. However, even businesses that appear to have low work hazards can greatly benefit from personnel with basic training in maintaining safety at work. For workers who simply need to gain a broad understanding of issues with health and safety in the workplace, the best way to do so is to acquire a NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (NGC).

This certification is provided by NEBOSH or The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, a health and safety awarding body that is recognised throughout the world. The NEBOSH NGC course covers two main topics: management of health and safety and controlling workplace hazards. Under these two topics are several subtopics that deal with more specific issues; under management of health and safety, course participants are taught the foundations and basic policies concerning work safety, as well ways to organise, plan, measure, audit and review health and safety management systems.

Under the second topic (controlling workplace hazards), NEBOSH NGC trainees will be taught to control risks and hazards involving the workplace, transport, and work equipment. Managing chemical, biological, musculoskeletal, physical and psychological risks and hazards related to work will also be taught to NEBOSH NGC course participants. In addition, the course will also tackle fire and electrical safety.

There are basically two ways this certification can be acquired: through conventional classroom sessions or by enrolling in training courses online. Classroom sessions are held over ten days, which can either be spread out over a ten-week period or taken continuously for just two weeks. Traditional classroom instruction is beneficial for individuals who prefer to be taught by an expert that they can immediately consult. For those who prefer to learn at their own pace, there are also NEBOSH NGC eLearning courses that can be conveniently taken online. eLearning course participants can expect to log in about 80 hours of study time online; however, this is besides the time spent for studying and reviewing outside of course sessions, which can take anywhere between 20 to 40 hours.

The NEBOSH NGC course is designed as an introduction to the fundamentals of health and safety. As such, it can be taken by any manager, supervisor or staff in any company or industry in the UK who simply need instruction on basic health principles. On the other hand, the NGC course can also be taken as a refresher for those who have already undergone NEBOSH training in the past.  For those who want to further their education in occupational health and safety, having a general certificate from NEBOSH is the first step towards acquiring a NEBOSH Diploma.

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