National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer NQF Level 4
£1,047.90
DESCRIPTION
The purpose of a health and safety officer is to protect the well-being of employees and ensure a safe working environment by identifying and mitigating workplace hazards, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and promoting a culture of safety. Their ultimate goal is to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses, reduce risks, and maintain a safe and healthy workplace for everyone.
Successful candidates credited with this qualification are able to:
- Evaluate and recommend appropriate Occupational Health and Safety risk management controls.
- Conduct investigations into Occupational Health and Safety incidents and accidents.
- Co-ordinate the control of overall Occupational Health and Safety administration.
- Execute the basic administrative duties required for the management of Occupational Health and Safety.
- Apply basic data analysis to compile Occupational Health and Safety reports using standard reporting formats.
- Contribute to production planning by ensuring that the Occupational Health and Safety risks are managed appropriately and report on the Occupational Health and Safety compliance status for a designated area of the organisation.
COURSE DURATION: 12 Months (Theory, practical and workplace).
NQF LEVEL: 4
CREDITS: 120
Quality Assured Partner: Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO)
Earn CPD points to maintain professional development, enhance skills, and stay compliant with industry standards.
Need more information?
View Qualification ID: (121929)
View QCTO Accreditation Letter
Download Online Course Curriculum Here
Description
Occupational Health and Safety Officers monitor compliance with health and safety systems and processes in an organisation. They identify hazards and assess risks to health and safety and recommend the implementation of appropriate health and safety controls where required. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: teamwork, results oriented, tenacity, self-motivation, effective communication, fairness and consistency.
226302-001-01-KM-01, Fundamentals of Occupational Health and Safety, NQF Level 3, Credits 4.
Purpose of the Knowledge Module
The main focus of the learning in this knowledge module is to build an understanding of the key occupational health and safety issues that impact on the productivity of employees. The learning includes the key issues relevant to the procedural and legal aspects required to monitor work in progress and the use of tools, equipment and instruments. The learning also include the foundational knowledge related to the management of basic workplace emergencies.
- KM-01-KT01: Legislative requirements related to Occupational Health and Safety.
- KM-01-KT02: Definitions of and difference between Occupational Health, Occupational Safety and Environmental Management.
- KM-01-KT03: Concept of Behavioural Safety Management
- KM-01-KT04: Roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders in a workplace regarding Occupational Health and Safety.
- KM-01-KT05: Roles and responsibilities of the Occupational Health and safety representative as set out in the relevant legislation.
- KM-01-KT06: Concepts and principles of emergency preparedness and response including the safe evacuation of people from workplaces.
- KM-01-KT08: Principles of safe working practices in and around the place of work.
- KM-01-KT09: Fundamentals of Accident and Incident investigation.
226302-001-01-KM-02, Fundamentals of representing employees regarding OHS issues, NQF Level 3, Credits 4.
- KM-02KT01: The legislative requirements relating to the representation of employees regarding OHS issues.
- KM-02KT02: Practical implications relating to representing employee’s needs.
- KM-02KT03: Leading practices for effective employee representation.
- KM-02KT04: Methods of making effective representations and giving feedback.
- KM-02KT05: The procedure for submission of compensation claims for injuries and occupational diseases
226302-001-01-KM-03, Fundamentals of Communication within the OHS discipline, NQF Level 3, Credits 4.
- KM-03-KT01: Concepts and theories of coaching, influencing people in an assertive manner and dealing with conflict.
- KM-03-KT02: Principles and ethics of auditing
226302-001-01-KM-04, OHS Administration and Record Management, NQF Level 4, Credits 16.
- KM-04-KT01: The purpose of administration and document control and the impact of administration of operational efficiency.
- KM-04-KT02: Regulated requirements and leading practices regarding OHS administration within the OHS function.
226302-001-01-KM-05, Occupational Health and Safety applications, NQF Level 4, Credits 22
- KM-05-KT01: Principles, concepts and processes of hazard identification, risk assessment and control
- KM-05-KT02: Techniques of accident and incident investigation
- KM-05-KT03: Principles of occupational hygiene measuring instruments and the interpretation of the readings in terms of the threshold limits of such measurements
- KM-05-KT04: Principles of safe working practices in and around the place of work
- KM-05-KT05: Criteria and standards for effective documentation and document control.
- KM-05-KT06: Concepts and principles of cause and effect analysis and how this applies to occupational hazard identification and risk assessment. and incident and accident investigation.
- KM-05-KT07: Principles, concepts and processes of hazard identification, risk assessment and control
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 50
226302-001-01-PM-01, Represent the needs of employees with regard to Occupational Health and Safety matters, NQF Level 3, Credits 1
Purpose of the Practical Skill Module
The focus of the learning in this module is on providing the learner an opportunity to practice the skills required to consult with employees, identify their OHS needs and represent them at the various forums as an advocate and facilitator to ensure that these needs are adequately considered and that the issues underpinning these needs are resolved.
- PM-01-PS01 Conduct meetings with employees to determine specific needs relating to Occupational Health and Safety practices in the workplace.
- PM-01-PS02 Investigate stated employee needs.
- PM-01-PS03 Present employee needs during safety meetings.
- PM-01-PS04 Follow up on issues raised and escalate unmet needs.
- PM-01-PS05 Provide feedback to employees regarding OHS issues raised.
- PM-01-PS06 Remove employees from unsafe or unhealthy workplaces.
226302-001-01-PM-02, Inspect work places, identify hazards and risks and take immediate action to ensure health and safety in the workplace, NQF Level 3, Credits 1.
Purpose of the Practical Skill Module
The focus of the learning in this module is on providing the learner an opportunity to practice the skills required to inspect workplaces against specific workplace standards and initiate actions to prevent injury and harm to people and equipment.
- PM-02-PS01 Identify the legal and regulatory requirements relating to continuous hazard and risk identification in workplaces.
- PM-02-PS02 Prepare for and conduct Continuous risk assessment for different workplaces.
226302-001-01-PM-03, Conduct workplace Inspections, Check the application of fundamental workplace standards and report on compliance variations, NQF Level 3, Credits 10.
- PM-03-PS01 Prepare for and conduct workplace inspections.
- PM-03-PS02 Monitor, report and make recommendations pertaining to specific requirements in terms of working at heights.
- PM-03-PS03 Oversee safe working practices for working in confined spaces.
- PM-03-PS04 Oversee safe working practices when working with, handling and moving material and people in the workplace.
226302-001-01-PM-04, Administer the key activities of an OHS Function, NQF Level 4, Credits 16.
Purpose of the Practical Skill Module
The focus of the learning in this module is on providing the learner an opportunity to practice the skills required to administer the key OHS activities for a OHS function.
- PM-04-PS01 Correctly use manual filing systems.
- PM-04-PS02 Access and use the basic functionalities of a desktop computer system. (Basic ability to use MS Office suite).
- PM-04-PS03 Administer OHS meetings.
- PM-04-PS04 Collate and compile basis OHS reports
- PM-04-PS05 Make presentations to report on OHS performance, activities and corrective actions.
- PM-04-PS06 Prepare for internal and external OHS Audits.
226302-001-01-PM-05, Participate and contribute towards the development of hazard and risk assessments, NQF Level 4, Credits 6.
Purpose of the Practical Skill Module
The focus of the learning in this module is on providing the learner an opportunity to practice the skills required to develop risk assessment tools for various work places and work activities.
- PM-05-PS01: Inspect a range of work places, identify the hazards and determine the associated risks, indicating what actions must be taken to eliminate, mitigate and control the risks. (Includes reporting and record keeping)
- PM-05-PS02: Facilitate a process using a range of incident investigation techniques to determine the root causes or failures of controls and recommend corrective actions to prevent future incidents and complete the reports.
226302-001-01-PM-06, Supervise the smooth execution of the activities of an OHS function, NQF Level 4, Credits 4.
Purpose of the Practical Skill Module
The focus of the learning in this module is on providing the learner an opportunity to practice the skills required to supervise the execution of the activities of an OHS function.
- PM-06-PS01 Conduct and ensure medium and short term planning for an OHS function.
- PM-06-PS02 Organise and mobilise all the required resources for an OHS function.
- PM-06-PS03 Execute day to day supervisory activities to ensure the effective functioning of an OHS function.
- PM-06-PS04 Facilitate effective internal and external reporting for an OHS function.
226302-001-01-PM-07, Coordinate the work activities of occupational, health and safety representatives, NQF Level 4, Credits 6
- PM-07-PS01 Facilitate the appropriate selection and appointment of OHS representatives.
- PM-07-PS02 Ensure the appropriate training and competency assessment of OHS representatives.
- PM-07-PS03 Monitor the performance of OHS representatives and provide ongoing coaching and mentorship.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 44
.226302-001-01-WM-01, Processes of representing employees regarding their workplace OHS needs, NQF Level 3, Credits 4.
- WE-01-01 Complete the mandated employee representative training.
- WE-01-02 Facilitate processes to identify employee needs.
- WE-01-03 Participate in OHS meetings.
- WE-01-04 Provide feedback to constituency
226302-001-01-WM-02, Processes of executing OHS administration and document management, NQF Level 4, Credits 4.
- WE-02-01 Administer manual filing system.
- WE-02-02 Update computer based OHS records.
- WE-02-03 Administer OHS meetings.
- WE-02-04 Draft OHS reports.
226302-001-01-WM-03, Processes of managing workplace accidents, incidents and other emergencies, NQF Level 4, Credits 8.
- WE-03-01 Complete Basic First Aid Training.
- WE-03-02 Complete Advanced First Aid Training.
- WE-03-03 Complete emergency awareness training.
- WE-03-04 Meet workplace compliance requirements (Technical aspects)
226302-001-01-WM-04, Incident Investigation processes, NQF Level 4, Credits 10.
- WE-04-01 Review incident investigation reports.
- WE-04-02 Review technical work standards.
- WE-04-03 Review incident investigation best practices.
- WE-04-04 Debate incident investigation policies and identify potential defects.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 26
Students are required to complete the following:
- 5 Theoretical assignments
- 7 Practical assignments
- 4 Workplace assignments
- To complete this qualification it will be to learners advantage to be working in the health and safety field to be able to complete workplace experience.
Eligibility requirements for the external summative assessment:
In order to qualify for the external summative assessment, learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the Knowledge Modules and Practical Skills Modules.
Upon completion of this course, students will be awarded an National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer from the QCTO.
Entry Level Requirements Into This Programme
- Certified copy of your ID document.
- NQF Level 3 qualification (Grade 11)
- Candidates must be aged 18 or over.
Target Audience
Safety Representatives | Safety Coordinators | Safety and Health Advisors | Occupational Safety and Health Assistants
Qualification Delivery Method
Correspondence Distance eLearning | Online Support Tutor Available for advise and guidance
When all internal assessments is complete you will conduct a final assessment at approved assessment centre and QCTO will issue a occupational certificate on successful completion of the course
Internal assessment: Portfolio of evidence will be submitted within two months after the training of each module. Assessment activities include evaluating all documentation produced during the process and questioning to test knowledge and ability to apply. This assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.
External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): The External integrated summative assessment conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external assessment will be conducted through a theoretical assessment by an assessor registered by the AQP at approved assessment centres.
Eligibility requirements for the external summative assessment:
In order to qualify for the external summative assessment, learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the Knowledge Modules and Practical Skills Modules.
Certification: The QCTO will issue the certificate to successful candidates after completion of the EISA.
This qualification was compared with the qualifications in Australia and the United Kingdom.
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY
Australia
The Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety is a qualification which is pitched at a similar complexity level as an NQF Level 4 qualifications on the South African National Qualifications Framework. This qualification is presented by Occupational Health Services Australia. The Certificate IV is delivered over a 12-month period. The Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety qualification is generally considered the minimum entry point for anyone wanting to commence a career in occupational work health and safety.
After completing the Certificate, learners will be able to work as a Health and Safety Officer and become responsible for the corresponding. Occupational Health and Safety functions within a workplace. The Certificate is designed to be delivered through a blended learning approach consisting of self-study, contact sessions and workplace applications.
The following represent the core learning units of the Certificate:
- Assist with workplace compliance with Workplace Health and Safety laws.
- Contribute to implementation and maintenance of Workplace Health and Safety consultation and participation processes.
- Contribute to Workplace Health and Safety risk management.
- Contribute to implementing Workplace Health and Safety management systems.
- Contribute to workplace incident response.
- Assist with managing Workplace Health and Safety implications of return to work.
- Assist with managing Workplace Health and Safety compliance of contractors.
- Contribute to implementing Workplace Health and Safety monitoring processes.
- Demonstrate leadership in the workplace.
- Manage implementation of emergency procedures.
There are no formal pre-requisites to undertake the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety although the completion of Year 10 General Education is recommended.
Similarities
- The two qualifications are similar in terms of level, duration, the overall purpose of the qualification and the core learning components.
- Both qualifications require theoretical and work application components.
Differences
- The entry requirement is slightly different. In the case of the South African qualification entry is NQF Level 3, General Education Certificate.
- The South African qualification makes specific provisioning for the administrative components.
United Kingdom
The National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a qualification which is pitched at a complexity level similar to that of an NQF Level 4 on the South African National Qualifications Framework. This qualification is obtained through the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) and presented by, amongst other providers, the NEBOSH Academy in Leicester. The qualification is targeted at the entry levels within the Occupational Health and Safety discipline and is structured to meet global Occupational Health and Safety requirements. This qualification is designed for anyone (managers, supervisors and workers) in any type of organisation. It’s ideal for anyone who needs a broad understanding of health and safety issues to be able to manage day-to-day organisational risks effectively.
The qualification is delivered over a minimum period of fourteen (14) months and covers the following core learning units:
- Why we should manage workplace health and safety.
- How health and safety management systems work and what they look like.
- Managing risk – understanding people and processes.
- Health and safety monitoring and measuring.
- Physical and psychological health.
- Musculoskeletal health.
- Chemical and biological agents.
- General workplace issues.
- Work equipment.
- Fire.
- Electricity.
There are no entry requirements for this qualification, however it is important that learners have a suitable standard of English language to understand and articulate the concepts contained in the syllabus. NEBOSH recommends that learners undertaking this qualification should reach a minimum standard of English equivalent to an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or higher..
Similarities
- The two qualifications are similar in terms of level, the overall aim of the qualification and the core learning components.
- Both qualifications require theoretical component and work application.
Differences
- The South African qualification makes specific provisioning for the administrative component of Occupational Health and Safety.
- The entry requirement for National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (NEBOSH) is English language proficiency.Conclusion
Conclusion
The National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer compares favourably with the two international examples in terms of the purpose, level, duration and learning content. The South African qualification is unique in that it specifically caters for the administrative component.
ARTICULATION OPTIONS
This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation options.
Horizontal articulation:
- National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4.
Vertical articulation:
- Occupational Certificate: Health Products Information Officer, NQF Level 5.
Diagonal articulation:
- Higher Certificate in Health Care Services Management, NQF Level 5.
NOTE!
Qualifying for External Assessment:
To qualify for the external summative assessment learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the all the knowledge and practical skill modules specified in the curriculum
QCTO LINKS OF INTEREST
QCTO Implementation of RPL Policy
Online Technical Requirements
The system requirements for the Moodle user are modest. All you really need is a solid, reliable internet connection and a modern web browser which can be downloaded within our eLearning platform.
Operating System
- Windows: Windows vista or higher.
- Macintosh: Mac OS X or higher.
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