Short answer: yes, health and safety training is required in Ireland - but the law sets a duty, not a fixed shopping list of courses. This guide explains exactly what that means, who needs training, and how to meet the requirement without overcomplicating it.
What the law actually says
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 requires every employer to provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to protect employees. The Health and Safety Authority enforces this. Crucially, the Act does not list specific mandatory courses for every job. Instead, it expects you to identify your hazards through a risk assessment and train for them.
So the requirement is real, but flexible: train people for the risks they actually face. A warehouse, a cafe and an office will each need a different mix.
Who needs training?
- All employees - general safety awareness and fire safety basics.
- New starters - a safety induction.
- Anyone lifting or moving loads - manual handling.
- Higher-risk roles - role-specific training (heights, chemicals, machinery, food).
- Temporary and fixed-term staff - the same duty applies to them.
How to meet the requirement
- Carry out a risk assessment.
- Match courses to the hazards you found.
- Deliver awareness and refresher training - online is fast and scalable.
- Add hands-on instruction and supervision where a task needs it.
- Keep dated records and refresh before they expire.
Does online training satisfy the requirement?
For awareness and knowledge-based training, yes - Irish law does not specify the delivery method, so reputable online courses are valid evidence of training. The honest caveat:
Online courses meet the awareness and understanding part of the duty. They do not, by themselves, satisfy requirements for hands-on competence, supervision or workplace-specific risk assessment where the task calls for those.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a single mandatory health and safety course in Ireland?
No. The law requires training appropriate to your workplace hazards rather than one universal course. Your risk assessment decides what is needed.
Does it apply to small businesses?
Yes. The duty applies to all employers regardless of size, including those with a single employee.
What happens if I do not provide training?
You may be in breach of the Act, exposed during HSA inspections, and at greater risk if an incident occurs. Providing appropriate training protects both your staff and your business.
Meet the requirement today: choose the right courses for your team.
