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Occupational Health and Safety Make IT - Qualifications

Occupation Description

Some manufacturing operations involve the use of materials and processes that are potentially hazardous, and it is the role of occupational health and safety (OH&S) staff to identify, and either eradicate, or at least minimise, those, and any other, workplace risks. OH&S officers coordinate health and safety systems in an organisation. They identify hazards and assess risks to health and safety, put appropriate safety controls in place, and provide advice on hazard reduction, accident prevention and occupational health to both management and employees.

OH&S officers may…

promote occupational health and safety within the organisation and develop safer and healthier ways of working

inspect and test machinery and equipment, such as lifting devices, machine shields and scaffolding, to make sure they meet safety regulations

make sure that personal protective equipment, such as dust masks, safety glasses, footwear and safety helmets, is being used in workplaces according to regulations

make sure that dangerous materials are correctly stored

identify and test work areas for potential accident and health hazards, such as toxic fumes and explosive gas-air mixtures, and implement appropriate control measures

make sure that the organisation is aware of, and complies with, all legislation in relation to the use of its plant, equipment and substances, as well as in all workplace activities

help supervise the investigation of accidents and unsafe working conditions, study possible causes and recommend remedial action

conduct training sessions for management, supervisors and workers on health and safety practices and legislation

assist with the rehabilitation of workers after accidents or injuries and make sure they experience a satisfactory return to work

coordinate emergency procedures, mine rescues, fire fighting and first aid crews

communicate frequently with management to report on the status of the occupational health and safety program

develop occupational health and safety systems, including policies, procedures and manuals

OH&S officers may specialise as an…

Ergonomist who investigates the design and use of equipment and systems and examines their suitability for human operators. They may also advise on psychological factors affecting work performance.

Occupational - Industrial Hygienist who identifies and investigates problems of occupational - industrial hygiene (chemical and biological hazards) in the workplace.

Personal Requirements

You should

possess tact and diplomacy

be able to work as part of a team

be able to work independently

possess good communication skills

possess good interpersonal skills

possess integrity and honesty

Environment

The work of OH&S staff is usually divided between an office, the training room, and the factory floor.

Training

To work as an assistant or junior OH&S officer you will usually need to complete a Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety.

To become an OH&S officer you may require a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, and to work in occupations such as an OH&S manager may require the completion of a Degree.

Qualifications in first aid are also helpful, and in some cases, essential.

Of course, with experience, and possibly further training, you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you in a number of senior management positions.

Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety
Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety
Advanced Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety
Degree

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.



	Administration

	CEO / General Manager

	Accounting and Finance

	Human Resources

	Industrial Relations

	Occupational Health and Safety

	Import / Export

	Sales

	Logistics / Transport

	Engineering Management

	Process Management

	Manager of Operations

	Product Testing

	Quality Assurance

	Research and Development

	Information Technology

	Training