Building a strong safety culture isn’t something you do once — it’s something you plan, schedule, and develop over time. With new regulations, expanding teams, and evolving workplace risks, Irish SMEs need a clear training roadmap heading into 2026. For more information, see Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. For more information, see Health and Safety Authority Ireland. For more information, see Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. For more information, see Health and Safety Authority Ireland. To make life easier, here’s a full breakdown of the courses your business can use to build a complete, compliant, and practical training plan for the year ahead. Whether you’re onboarding new staff, refreshing certifications, or upgrading skills, this guide covers every major training category for Irish workplaces. 1. First Aid Training: Your 2026 Foundation for Emergency Response First Aid is one of the cornerstones of workplace safety, and for 2026, SMEs should aim for ongoing coverage with a mix of entry-level, refresher, and specialist courses. Courses to include in your plan: Community First Responder (CFR) Emergency First Aid Emergency Response Team (ERT) First Aid Responder Novice (FAR NOV) First Aid Responder Refresher (FAR REF) First Aid Workshop Session These courses help ensure your staff can respond quickly and confidently in the moments that matter most. 2. MEWP & Working at Height (IPAF): Staying Safe Above Ground Work at height remains one of the highest-risk activities in Irish workplaces. Scheduling regular IPAF training in 2026 ensures compliance and keeps operators fully certified. Include these IPAF options in your plan: IPAF 1a Static Vertical IPAF 1b Static Boom IPAF 3a & 3b Mobile Vertical & Mobile Boom IPAF 3a only (Mobile Vertical) IPAF 3b only (Mobile Boom) IPAF MEWP for Managers Add general “Working at Height” and “Working at Height Awareness” courses to give broader staff the fundamentals. 3. Lift Operations & Forklift Certification: Essential for Warehousing, Logistics & Manufacturing For 2026, refresh any operators approaching certificate expiry (typically every three years) and plan novice training for new staff. Courses to schedule: Counterbalance (Novice & Refresher) Reach Truck (Novice & Refresher) Multidirectional Reach PPT, PPT Ride-On, PPT Walk-With Stacker Pivot Steer VNA Truck (Very Narrow Aisle) Forklift and lift operations training significantly reduces incident risks and improves site efficiency. 4. Fire Safety Training: Compliance & Practical Response Skills Every workplace needs strong fire safety procedures supported by trained personnel. For 2026, block out training dates early to ensure full coverage. Key courses: Fire Safety & Extinguisher Use Fire Warden Hot Works & Fire Watch These courses help ensure your team knows what to do long before an emergency arises. 5. Safety & Equipment Training: Core Skills Every SME Needs These courses support compliance across every industry — construction, retail, logistics, hospitality, office environments, and more. Many certificates last 3–5 years, making them easy to plan into your long-term training strategy. Recommended courses for your 2026 calendar: Abrasive Wheels Chemical Safety & Spill Response Manual Handling Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Safepass Safety Representative Training VDU / DSE Risk Assessor Working at Height (or Awareness) These are the “everyday essentials” that reduce the most common workplace accidents. 6. Crane Operations Training: Specialist Skills for Industrial Sites If your site uses gantry cranes or overhead lifting systems, include: Gantry Crane (NPORS) This specialist training helps keep high-risk lifting operations under control. 7. Operations Training: Keeping Sites Coordinated & Efficient Two often-overlooked courses that make a huge difference in workplace safety: Banksman Training — for safely guiding vehicle and plant movement MEWP Operator (general) — ideal if IPAF is not required but competency is essential Planning these in early ensures smoother operations across the year. 8. Instructor Training: Build Capability In-House If you want to cut long-term training costs or create internal training leads, consider adding instructor-level qualifications to your 2026 strategy. Manual Handling Instructor (Lifetime certification) Power Pallet Instructor (3-year certification) A great investment for larger teams or fast-growing SMEs. How to Build Your 2026 Training Schedule When mapping out the year, consider: Which certificates expire in 2026 Which teams are growing or shifting roles Legal requirements related to your industry For more information, see HSA's legislation and legal requirements. For more information, see HSA's legislation and legal requirements. High-risk activities specific to your site Funding opportunities such as Skillnet or LEO Seasonal quiet periods (ideal for refresher training) A planned, proactive approach keeps your business compliant while preventing last-minute panics. Ready to Plan Your 2026 Training Calendar? Whether you want a simple annual schedule or a full competency framework for your team, these courses give you everything you need to build a safer, smarter, fully compliant workplace.