General Overview about the NEBOSH International General Certificate

This qualification is designed for managers, supervisors and workers in any type of organisation. It’s ideal for anyone who needs a broad understanding of health and safety issues to be able to manage day-to-day risks effectively. Many people take the International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (IGC) as a first step in a career in health and safety. It gives a valuable overview and is a sound basis for further professional study.

When you achieve the IGC, you will be a huge asset to your employer. You will make a real difference in the workplace. You will have the knowledge, understanding and skills to help protect the health and safety of all workers. You will also be able to help your employer to comply with the law and good practice, as well as help them avoid the huge costs from incidents and ill-health.

The IGC looks at everyday solutions for general workplace health and safety issues. When you have completed the qualification, you will be able to:

justify the need for health and safety improvements;
advise on duties for health and safety in the workplace;
help your organisation to manage contractors;
work within a health and safety management system;
positively influence health and safety culture and behaviour;
carry out a general risk assessment (using a 5-step approach) of your workplace;
recognise workplace changes and their impacts and understand how to minimise these impacts;
develop basic safe systems of work that include emergency arrangements and know when to use a permit-to-work system;
take part in incident investigations; and
help your employer check the effectiveness of their health and safety management system through monitoring, auditing and review.