Occupational Health and Safety Officer (QLD)

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 QCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, chemistry 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. Apply and Monitor Surface Operations Emergency Preparedness and Response Procedures (RII Unit)
  2. Apply First Aid in the Workplace (CPC Unit)
  3. Conduct an OHS Audit (BSB Unit)
  4. Confined Space Rescue (Training Program)
  5. Ensure Workplace Emergency Prevention Procedures, Systems and Processes are Implemented (PUA Unit)
  6. Establish and Maintain the OHS Management System (RII Unit)
  7. Evaluate an Organisation's OHS Performance (BSB Unit)
  8. Examine and Maintain Mine Safety (RII Unit)
  9. Fire Safety Advisor (Training Program) *
  10. Functioning as a Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator *
  11. Functioning as a Workplace Health and Safety Officer *
  12. Functioning as a Workplace Health and Safety Representative *
  13. Hazard Identification and Risk Management (Training Program)
  14. Health and Safety for Managers and Supervisors (Training Program)
  15. Identify Types of Installed Fire Safety Equipment and Systems (CPP Unit)
  16. Identify, Prevent and Report Potential Workplace Emergency Situations (PUA Unit)
  17. Lead an Emergency Control Organisation (PUA Unit) *
  18. Manage an Emergency Control Organisation (PUA Unit)
  19. Manage and Monitor Workplace Emergency, Procedures, Equipment and other Resources (PUA Unit)
  20. Monitor a Safe Workplace (BSB Unit)
  21. OHS Consultation *
  22. Operate as Part of an Emergency Control Organisation (PUA Unit) *
  23. Operate Breathing Apparatus - Open Circuit (Training Program)
  24. Participate in OHS Investigations (BSB Unit)
  25. Recertification to Function as a Workplace Health and Safety Officer *
  26. Respond to Local Emergencies and Incidents (RII Unit)
  27. Respond to Workplace Emergencies (PUA Unit) *
  28. Rope Rescue Level 1 (Training Program)
  29. Tower Rescue (Training Program)
  30. Work in Confined Spaces (Training Program)
  31. Work Safely (MSA Unit) *
  32. Workplace Emergency Response - Chief Warden (Training Program)
  33. Certificate III in Occupational Health and Safety *
  34. Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety *
  35. Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety *
  36. Advanced Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety *
  37. Associate Degree in Workplace Health and Safety
  38. Bachelor of Accident Forensics
  39. Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Science
  40. Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Business Administration
  41. Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety
  42. Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety 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

National Safety Council of Australia (QLD)

(07) 3255 2600
www.nsca.org.au

Information for other states and territories: