Ahern's Health & Safety Compliance Coach

07572493694ahernscoaching@gmail.com

Explore Our Courses

I’m currently developing the full range of courses, and you’ll start to see them coming through from April 2026. Please see below for the ones already in development.

Health and Safety Compliance Awareness for Sole Traders and Small Businesses

This Health & Safety Compliance Awareness course is designed for real‑life working days. You can read and watch so more learning styles are supported, and the colour‑coding makes it clear what’s legally required versus what’s best practice. Lessons are split into quick 5–10 minute mini sessions, ideal for those moments between jobs, waiting for materials, or catching up at the end of the day. It’s practical, simple, and built to give sole traders and small businesses confidence without overwhelm.

Course Link Button

Manual Handling for Sole Traders and Small Businesses

Next major course in development is going to be Manual Handling supporting different learning styles by giving learners the choice to read, watch videos, or use both, with clear colour‑coding to separate mandatory legal requirements from best‑practice guidance. It focuses on safe, practical techniques that sole traders and small businesses can apply immediately. The course also highlights the HSE’s current campaign to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), with a strong emphasis on F10‑notifiable projects, including refurbishment work where risks are higher. Independent contractors may be included in inspections, so understanding and demonstrating compliance is essential to avoid enforcement action and keep work moving safely.

Dangerous Goods Awareness Course

After the Manual Handling course will come a Dangerous Goods Awareness course it is built for sole traders and small businesses who need a clear understanding of their duties under the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations (CDG) in the UK and ADR when travelling outside it. Learners can read, watch videos, or use both, with colour‑coding to separate mandatory requirements from best‑practice guidance. The course explains when you may need to appoint a DGSA, when you simply need awareness training, and what exemptions apply based on quantities, job roles, and the specific products you carry. It uses everyday examples like paints, aerosols, fuels, adhesives, cleaning chemicals, and batteries to show how rules apply in real working situations. Learners are guided through limited and excepted quantities, what training is required when these apply, and where the threshold sits for needing a full ADR licence. The aim is to give small operators confidence in knowing exactly what applies to them so they can stay compliant without overcomplicating things.

Simple, Real‑World Toolbox Talks - Live Online or Book Face to Face

Why do I need this?
HSE guidance states that effective safety training should include discussion, questions and real‑life context not just passive reading. These toolbox talks give you exactly that practical examples, clear explanations, and the chance to understand how to stay safe in real working environments, whether you’re on your own or working alongside others.

Do you prefer learning from a real person, not a screen?
All of my Toolbox Talks can be delivered live online (Google Meet, Teams, Zoom) or locally face to face. These sessions are far more beneficial than self‑paced videos because you can ask questions, get real‑world examples, and receive practical guidance tailored to your trade.

Whether you’re a sole trader or a small business, live delivery helps you understand the “why” behind safety not just the rules.
Contact me to organise your session in the way that works best for you.

Dynamic Risk Assessment

A quick, practical toolbox talk that teaches sole traders how to spot hazards, make safe decisions on the job, and adapt when things change. Perfect for anyone working alone in client homes, gardens, or unpredictable environments. Simple, real‑world safety you can use every day.

Lone Working

A practical toolbox talk designed for anyone who works alone in client homes, gardens, workshops or remote locations. Learn how to stay safe, stay aware, and stay connected when help isn’t immediately available. Simple, real‑world guidance that gives sole traders confidence on every job.

PUWER: Safe Use of Work Equipment

A straightforward toolbox talk that helps sole traders understand how to use tools and equipment safely and legally. Learn what PUWER means in real‑world terms, how to check your kit before use, and how to avoid the common equipment‑related accidents that stop work and cost money. Simple, practical guidance for anyone using hand tools, power tools, or machinery to keep you compliance and working within the Law.

Fire Safety Awareness - Part 1 Understanding Fire Basics

A quick, practical toolbox talk that explains the basics of fire safety in plain English. Learn what fire needs to start and spread, how to identify common ignition sources, and what simple controls make the biggest difference.
Perfect for sole traders and small teams who work in homes, workshops, or client premises. Build awareness, confidence, and safer habits that protect you, your business, and the people around you.

All of our courses are now available through our Teachable website. Click View Courses to explore the full range of courses and begin your journey.

View Courses

Support Your Business Safely and Confidently

Toolbox talks in development

I’m a newly established Health & Safety coaching business building a training library designed specifically for sole traders and small businesses. Each year, I create one comprehensive flagship course on a major compliance topic, supported by monthly toolbox talks that break Health & Safety into simple, practical steps. My aim is to make compliance clearer, easier, and more manageable for busy traders who often have to handle everything themselves. View below current Tool Box Talks being developed for easy bite size H&S compliance training.

Slips, Trips & Falls: A quick, practical toolbox talk that helps you understand why slips, trips and falls happen and how to stop them before they stop you. Learn how to spot hazards, keep work areas tidy, manage cables and equipment safely, and make confident decisions in changing environments.

Perfect for sole traders, small teams and anyone working in client homes, gardens, workshops or busy spaces. Clear, everyday safety you can use on every job.
COSHH Basics: A short, practical toolbox talk that explains COSHH and shows you how to work safely with the products you use every day. Learn what COSHH actually covers, how exposure happens, what simple controls make the biggest difference, and how to protect yourself, your clients and your business.

Perfect for sole traders, small teams and anyone working in homes, gardens, workshops or small business environments. Clear, everyday safety you can apply immediately.
Customer Safety Awareness: A quick, practical toolbox talk that teaches you how to keep customers and visitors safe while you work. Learn how to spot risks in shared spaces, manage tools and equipment responsibly, and communicate clearly to prevent slips, trips, and misunderstandings.

Perfect for sole traders, small teams, and anyone working in homes, gardens, or public areas. Clear, everyday safety you can use on every job.
Future toolbox talk development: General Safety & Behaviour
- Behavioural Safety & Mental Health Awareness
- Housekeeping & Site Tidiness

Fire & Emergency Preparedness
- Fire Safety Awareness (Part 1–4 series)
- Emergency Procedures & Evacuation
- Fire Extinguisher Basics

Tools, Equipment & Work Environment
- Safe Use of Power Tools
- Hand Tool Safety
- Equipment Inspection & Maintenance

Electrical & Hazard Awareness
- Electrical Safety Basics
- Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Awareness

Driving & Transport
- Safe Driving & Vehicle Checks
- Loading & Unloading Safely
- Working Near Traffic

Public‑Facing Work & Behaviour
- Professional Conduct in Client Homes
- Managing Aggression or Conflict
- Customer Safety Awareness

Trades Working in Homes / Small Venues
- COSHH Basics
- Safe Use of Cleaning Products
- Hazardous Substances in Client Homes
- Working Safely in Domestic Properties

Health, Hygiene & Wellbeing
- Manual Handling Basics
- Stress & Fatigue Awareness
- Sun Safety & Heat Stress
- Cold Weather Safety

Workshops / Storage
- Safe Storage of Tools & Materials
- Fire Prevention in Workshops
- Electrical Safety in Small Workspaces

What My Courses Do

Bridge the Compliance Gap: They break down complex legislation like the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 into simple, actionable steps tailored for sole traders and small businesses.
Support Multiple Learning Style: Each course can be read, watched, or both, with video walkthroughs for those who prefer to learn visually rather than reading everything.
Colour‑Coded Clarity: A unique system separates Mandatory requirements (what the law says you must do) from Best Practice (what you should do to work safely and professionally).
Build Your Own Compliance Checklist: Instead of generic self‑assessments, the courses guide you to create a personalised, practical compliance checklist based on the information that applies to your work.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Our training is designed to support sole traders and small businesses in meeting their ongoing health and safety responsibilities. While our courses are not externally accredited, they follow recognised CPD principles and provide structured, high‑quality learning that can be used as part of your Self certified professional development.

Each course includes:
- Clear learning outcomes
- Practical, role‑relevant content
- Guided activities and reflection
- A certificate of completion showing CPD hours

Learners can record this training as self‑certified CPD, which is accepted by most organisations, insurers, and industry bodies as evidence of ongoing competence.

If you need any additional information for your CPD records, we’re always happy to help.

Why Choose My Courses Over Others?

By using these courses, you aren't just "ticking a box" you are building a resilient business foundation designed by someone who has seen the real-world consequences of being unprepared.

Built on Front-Line Experience: I combine 6 years as an Army Medic and 7 years as an RAF Firefighter. I don't just teach safety; I have spent 13 years at the sharp end of what happens when safety fails.
Prevention-First Mindset: My goal is to prevent the need for my civilian equivalent emergency service colleagues are never needed to be called to your workplace.
Personal Relatability: Having been a sole trader myself before working in H&S as a Personal Trainer, I understand the pitfalls of thinking Health and Safety law doesn't apply to me. I’ve lived through the confusion of leaving a structured environment like the military and entering the civilian business world.
Decade of Expertise: I bring 10 years of dedicated Health and Safety experience including high-stakes environments like TATA Steel directly into your hands through an accessible, online format. Also by consultation if you find you require further advice.