Occupational Health and Safety Officer (WA)

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 WACE at Stages 2 and 3. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English 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 Ergonomic Principles to Control OHS Risk (BSB Unit)
  2. Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System - AIIMS
  3. Confined Space Rescue (Training Program) *
  4. Employ Personal Protection at a Hazardous Materials Incident (PUA Unit)
  5. Ensure a Safe Workplace (BSB Unit) *
  6. Functioning as a Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator
  7. Introductory Occupational Health and Safety Representative (State) (Training Program)
  8. Manage Incident Response Information (PMA Unit)
  9. Monitor a Safe Workplace (BSB Unit) *
  10. Operate as Part of an Emergency Control Organisation (PUA Unit)
  11. Operate Breathing Apparatus - Open Circuit (Training Program)
  12. Participate in OHS Processes (BSB Unit)
  13. Prevent Injury (PUA Unit)
  14. Respond to Local Emergencies and Incidents (RII Unit)
  15. Respond to Mine Incident (RII Unit)
  16. Rope Access Risk Management and Practice
  17. Rope Rescue Level 1 (Training Program)
  18. Rope Rescue Level 2 - Team Leader (Training Program)
  19. Safety Leadership for New Supervisors (Training Program)
  20. Safety Leadership for Supervisors (Training Program)
  21. Tower Rescue (Training Program)
  22. Work in Confined Spaces (Training Program)
  23. Workplace Emergency Response - Chief Warden (Training Program)
  24. Certificate III in Occupational Health and Safety *
  25. Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety *
  26. Certificate IV in Surface Ventilation Officer
  27. Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety *
  28. Advanced Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety *
  29. Bachelor of Health Science
  30. Bachelor of Science *
  31. Bachelor of Science - Exercise and Sports Science
  32. Bachelor of Science - Health, Safety and Environment

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:

Department of Commerce

1300 307 877
www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe

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: