{"id":13044,"date":"2020-07-31T09:53:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-31T07:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/?p=13044"},"modified":"2025-09-19T14:41:41","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T12:41:41","slug":"how-to-become-an-occupational-health-and-safety-officer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/how-to-become-an-occupational-health-and-safety-officer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become an Occupational Health and Safety Officer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

To qualify as an occupational health and safety officer (OHSO) \u2013 a role that\u2019s vital in the workplace \u2013 a training course and a certificate from a relevant professional body<\/a> is required. A future career in occupational health and safety (OHS) is the perfect opportunity for someone who doesn\u2019t have a bachelor\u2019s degree, but would like to make a difference in the work environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evaluate OHSO training requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Get recognition from a professional body<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In order to gain membership with a professional body such as the South African Institute of Occupational Safety and Health<\/a> (SAIOSH), you\u2019ll need an accredited certificate at NQF level 5 or equivalent, as well as some work experience under your belt. Being a recognised member establishes you as a professional in your field and may open doors for career growth and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upgrade your skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Complete an online course that will provide you with a broad overview of the different aspects of health and safety legislation and equip you to meet compliance requirements within any organisation. For example, the UCT Occupational Health and Safety<\/strong> online short course provides you with the knowledge needed to create a safe, productive working environment for employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \n University of Cape Town (UCT) <\/a>
\n \n Occupational Health and Safety online short course <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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To further your skills, additional courses in labour law<\/a> and facilities management<\/a> could benefit you and your organisation \u2013 providing you with the tools to understand how to drive compliance across various industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examine OHSO key responsibilities<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Safety doesn\u2019t happen by accident. I\u2019m here to prevent accidents and everyone\u2019s contribution helps<\/p>Jasmine Haigh, OHSO & Facilities Coordinator at GetSmarter<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The responsibilities can be broken down into:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Operations management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

OHSOs may be responsible for supervising junior OHS staff, and conducting relevant health and safety training with other employees. If an accident occurs in the workplace, the responsibility falls to the OHSO to investigate the incident, and adjust future policies accordingly. Priorities may include:<\/p>\n