The Occupational Health and Safety discipline is built on global standards and practices. In all countries there is legislation that requires the appointment of Occupational Health and Safety Practitioners. Because of this there are qualifications in most countries.

The content of these qualifications covers mostly the same material.

 

In the United Kingdom (UK) the Level 5 National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Practice is a vocational qualification designed specifically for safety professionals who want to attain a chartered status of Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH) through a practical, evidence-based route as opposed to an academic course.

 

It is a qualification for those who wish to forge a career in health and safety as advisors, managers or consultants.

 

Candidates must be aged 19 or over.

 

Learners who are carrying out the activities stated in the unit standards will be requested to produce evidence to show their competence in these areas.

 

The qualification meets the academic requirements for Graduate Membership of IOSH.

 

With additional experience and further professional development, those who obtain to get the National Diploma: Occupational Safety can also attain Chartered Safety Practitioner status.

 

The duration of this course is 18 months and the content covers all the aspects that are covered in the South African Occupational Certificate.

 

In Australia: A similar situation to those found in the UK and Canada exists in Australia, where the Vocational Certificate IV in Occupational Health and Safety can be earned within a period of 18 months. This qualification enables learners to use well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base in a wide variety of contexts. They will also be able to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources.

 

This qualification would suit an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Officer in a full-time dedicated role who works under the supervision of an OHS Coordinator or OHS Manager, and will enable people to fulfill Job Roles such as:

 Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator.
 Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

 

Conclusion: The Occupational Certificate: OHS Practitioner compares favorably with the qualifications and courses reviewed in the two countries in terms of content, level and duration.