Be aware and Take care; No off for Safety". As stringent laws apply globally, the demand for Occupational Health and Safety Management roles has risen drastically over the past few years. This is the kind of job that is always available as there would always be a requirement for safety specialists in the workplace as long as there is work force.
A choice made to hold a career in Health and Safety sector can be satisfying and rewarding. In other words, becoming a Health and Safety Manager is an excellent career choice if you want to earn decent pay alongside ensuring the workplace is safe for the employees. The knowledge and skills you gain after completing the required qualification can effectively reduce work-related accidents, injuries, and illness. At some point of time, you would also be in charge to devise the health and safety policies while simultaneously ensuring that the whole workforce follows them.
Exposure
It is always better to gain some exposure in the health and safety field before you begin your studies. This will allow you to explore the various challenges you will have to face later in your career. It will also give you an opportunity to show the management that you are keen to know more about the industry.
Qualifications
There are many courses that you can commence with, and it all depends on the type of job that you are looking for. Though several professional diploma courses are available, starting with an introductory course, which would provide you with a base of health and safety management, like a Level 3 Certificate in Health and Safety Management , is recommended. The course offers a scope to understand health and safety principles, how to maintain a healthy and safe working environment and the principles of risk and incident management in the working environment. Once you are ready to progress in your career, you will need some specialist knowledge and skills, which you would acquire through a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management. If you are keen to work as a health and safety practitioner, you will need a higher qualification that is approved by Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH). This can be acquired through a Level 7 Diploma.
Mode of Learning
Health and Safety diploma courses are promising, but they would be very challenging too. Managing a professional life and an academic life simultaneously would be hectic but to ensure that you succeed you will have to opt for those professional courses that are online/web-based learning and have flexible schedules. This will allow you to study at your own pace and at your own suitable time.