Occupational Health and Safety Officer (NSW/ACT)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

To become an occupational health and safety officer you usually have to complete a VET qualification in occupational health and safety. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in occupational health and safety or health science. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

Qualifications in first aid are helpful and may be essential in some cases.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Bonded Asbestos - Nominated Supervisor - WorkCover NSW Licence *
  2. Conduct an Occupational Health and Safety Audit (PUA Unit)
  3. Confined Spaces (Training Program)
  4. Contribute to the Implementation of Strategies to Control OHS Risk (BSB Unit)
  5. Ensure a Safe Workplace (BSB Unit)
  6. Ensure Workplace Emergency Prevention Procedures, Systems and Processes are Implemented (PUA Unit)
  7. Fire Fighting (Training Program)
  8. Follow Defined Occupational Health and Safety Policies and Procedures (PUA Unit)
  9. Functioning as a Workplace Health and Safety Representative *
  10. Government - Prepare for Workplace Inspections (Training Program)
  11. Hazard Management (Training Program)
  12. Identify Hazards and Assess OHS Risks (BSB Unit)
  13. Identify Types of Installed Fire Safety Equipment and Systems (CPP Unit)
  14. Identify, Prevent and Report Potential Workplace Emergency Situations (PUA Unit) *
  15. Implement and Coordinate Accident-Emergency Procedures (TLI Unit)
  16. Lead an Emergency Control Organisation (PUA Unit)
  17. Manage an Emergency Control Organisation (PUA Unit)
  18. Manage and Monitor Workplace Emergency, Procedures, Equipment and other Resources (PUA Unit)
  19. Manage Workplace Emergency Initial Response Teams (PUA Unit)
  20. Monitor a Safe Workplace (BSB Unit) *
  21. OHS Consultation *
  22. OHS Emergency Management (Training Program)
  23. OHS Literacy and Communication (Training Program)
  24. OHS Management and Compliance (Training Program)
  25. Operate as Part of an Emergency Control Organisation (PUA Unit) *
  26. Participate as a Member of a Workplace Emergency Initial Response Team (PUA Unit)
  27. Participate in OHS Processes (BSB Unit)
  28. Plan and Conduct Evacuation of Premises (CPP Unit)
  29. Respond to Workplace Emergencies (PUA Unit) *
  30. Risk Assessment (Training Program)
  31. Trenching and Excavation (Training Program)
  32. Undertake Risk Analysis of Activities (SIS Unit)
  33. Working At Heights (Training Program)
  34. Workplace Emergency Response - Chief Warden (Training Program)
  35. Certificate III in Occupational Health and Safety *
  36. Certificate IV in Government - Injury Rehabilitation Management
  37. Certificate IV in Government - Occupational Health and Safety
  38. Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety *
  39. Diploma of Government - Injury Management *
  40. Diploma of Government - Occupational Health and Safety
  41. Diploma of Government - Workplace Inspection *
  42. Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety *
  43. Advanced Diploma of Government - Occupational Health and Safety
  44. Advanced Diploma of Government - Workplace Inspection *
  45. Advanced Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety *
  46. Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Business Administration
  47. Bachelor of Science - Computer Science / Bachelor of Science

Employment Opportunities:

Traditionally, occupational health and safety officers have been employed in the manufacturing, construction, health and minerals industries. Positions are now becoming available in management consultancies and large commercial institutions, such as banks, hospitals, insurance companies, government organisations and service-based organisations.

In large workplaces, personnel departments may employ a number of occupational health and safety officers. In small organisations, the personnel officer often combines the duties of occupational health and safety officer with other duties. Ergonomists may be employed by large organisations but can also work in research or as private consultants.

For Further Information:

Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia Inc.

(02) 9680 9026
www.ergonomics.org.au

IFAP

1300 432 700
www.ifap.asn.au

Logistics Information and Navigation Centre

www.the-linc.com.au

Information for other states and territories: